The correct supplementation of crystalline amino acids in feeds for
fish and shrimp represents an opportunity to reduce formulation costs
in the face of the volatile commodity market of protein ingredients
and the limited supply of fish meal.While fishmeal usemay still remain
economically competitive at strategic inclusion levels, for specialty diets
(starters, anti-stress/transition, and premium) and certain markets,
there has been a permanent movement in grower feeds towards very
low inclusion of marine proteins. The market perception that all feeds
with high levels of fish meal are high performers and more profitable
is quickly fading away as confidence in formulating on an ingredient
basis evolves. Aqua feed mill nutritionists are abandoning oldfashioned
formulation approaches that rely solely on ingredient EAAs.
In order to improve competitiveness and effectively apply advancements
in aquaculture nutrition, formulators are now adopting modern
and environmentally-sound formulation techniques based on nutrient
value, on supplementationwith crystalline EAAs and on animal nutrient
requirements.