Research at the Skretting Aquaculture Research Centre (ARC) in Norway discovered that fishmeal provides several essential micro-nutrients that are, or were, the limiting factor in reducing fishmeal contents of feeds. The researchers went on to identify alternative sources for these micro-nutrients and defined parameters for their use in feed. That, says Skretting Product Manager John Roberts, provided the basis for the new MicroBalance™ concept.
“One of the key features of the MicroBalance™ concept is that we can vary fishmeal levels far more widely according to raw material prices. MicroBalance™ does not mean the fishmeal level will always be low but that it can be low when the fishmeal price is high. Using MicroBalance™, our formulators can use substantially lower fishmeal levels and higher levels of vegetable proteins.”
Looking further ahead, Skretting reports MicroBalance™ is a boost for sustainability. “We can share sustainably available fishmeal over a much greater production of high quality fish from aquaculture as the industry works to feed the world of tomorrow,” says Roberts.
“Global catches of fish conventionally used for fishmeal have declined in recent years, for example through tighter control of fisheries. The volume available to fishmeal producers fell more sharply because of growing sales for human consumption. Also, when the price ratio with soya is favourable, there is strong competition for fishmeal from animal feed producers, for example for pig feed in China. Meanwhile, our improving quality and sustainability specifications mean that we cannot use just any fishmeal; Skretting’s fishmeal must comply with exacting aquagrade standards. All these trends increase the importance of MicroBalance™.”
MicroBalance™ technology is derived from research over several years at Skretting ARC. Feeds with very low fishmeal contents were thoroughly tested with fish of all sizes, in summer and winter and compared against the performance of conventional feeds. “Growth, health and end product quality were all unaffected,” says Roberts. “In 2009 we completed the final double check with trials at the Helgeland Research Station in Norway. This was with fish from 2.6 to 4.7 kg. The results confirmed that MicroBalance™ works and can be applied in commercial feed.
“The principle behind MicroBalance™ is the same as in AminoBalance™, where Skretting balances the essential amino acids so that muscle growth does not slow down, as it does when there is a deficiency of any one of these. Similarly, LipoBalance™ uses knowledge of fish oils and other oils to ensure optimum energy levels in feeds and an adequately high level of omega-3 in the fully grown fish. In MicroBalance™ we use knowledge of the functions of micro-nutrients to ensure adequate levels of all nutrients required for efficient growth and optimum fish welfare.”