Chapter 9 - Diet formulation and manufacture

Abstract

Feed formulation and manufacturing is an incredibly complex process that involves combining knowledge of nutritional requirements, feed ingredient characteristics, feed production technology, and, importantly, biological information of farmed fish. All of these elements must be considered to produce feeds for fish. The goals of the specific aquaculture production system for which the feed is intended dictate feed formulation and manufacturing. Feeds for fish larvae or fingerlings are intended to support rapid growth, health, and survival, whereas feeds for fish at the grow-out stage must be also designed to support growth and health, and they must support economical feed conversion ratios. Feeds represent over 50% of the operating cost of fish production, so all of the elements of feed formulation and manufacturing must be aimed at the advancement of precision formulations while, at the same time, balancing practical considerations. Physical characteristics of feeds, such as pellet shape, water stability, buoyancy, and durability during handling, also dictate feed formulation and manufacturing conditions. Feed formulation and manufacturing involves finding a compromise between ideal and practical feeds. Feed formulators must be mindful of the fact that there is no ideal feed formulation for a given situation but many suitable formulations that will meet the goals of feed formulation specifications as well as goals of production. Feed ingredient markets are dynamic, with supply and demand forces continuously changing feed ingredient prices relative to potential alternative ingredients that likely differ in chemical composition and nutritional value to fish, as well as in other qualities that affect the physical characteristics of feeds. A thorough knowledge of feed ingredients, how they interact when combined in a feed mixture, and how they affect feed intake, metabolism, and health of farmed fish is absolutely essential to successful feed formulation and manufacture.