Understanding the nutritional and biological constraints of ingredients to optimize their application in aquaculture feeds

The identification, evaluation, and development of ingredients is a key step in the development of effective formulation strategies for all aquaculture feeds. Traditionally there has been much reliance on the use of fish meal and fish oil in aquaculture diets and because of this intensive aquaculture has been perceived as a net fish user rather than producer. However, in addition to alleviating concerns about the reliability of aquaculture as a food provider, and also the long-term sustainability of aquaculture as an industry, the use of alternative ingredients also empowers the formulator with additional options. These options include improving the technical qualities of pellets and also introducing certain nutrients and nutraceuticals to increase the value of the resultant compound diet in which the ingredients are included.