Sustainable solutions in aquafeed: the role of poultry by-products as fishmeal replacers

At EMPRO Europe , innovation, scientific research, and sustainability are at the core of everything we do.

With our expertise, we deliver cutting-edge solutions for various sectors, including the aquafeed industry. This commitment to innovation and science translates into groundbreaking research. For example, our R&D team, led by Ceder Alloo , contributed to a study investigating the potential of poultry by-products, such as EM'PAQ? and PEP’SOL?, as fishmeal replacers in aquafeed. This research was conducted in collaboration with esteemed partners such as Aqua-ERF , Odisee , and funded by the European Interreg project Aquavlan2 and the Province of East-Flanders.

The Research

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of poultry by-products, including soluble feather meal and hydrolyzed feather meal, as alternative protein sources in aquafeed. By partially replacing fishmeal, the study assessed the impact on the growth, feed conversion, and nutritional values of fish species such as rainbow trout and pikeperch. During the study, six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were developed, with varying levels of fishmeal replacement using EM'PAQ? and PEP’SOL?. Growth, feed intake, and feed conversion were measured over 12 weeks in fish kept in a controlled recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The findings demonstrated that poultry by-products provide a reliable and sustainable alternative to fishmeal without compromising performance.

Download a summary of the report here

Results

• Up to 40% of fishmeal in diets for pikeperch and 50% for rainbow trout was successfully replaced without negative effects on growth, feed conversion, or survival.
• EM'PAQ? and PEP’SOL? exhibited excellent digestibility, consistency, and nutritional value, underscoring their potential as sustainable alternatives.
• These innovations help reduce dependency on fishmeal, saving costs and contributing to a more environmentally friendly production process.

Why Choose Poultry By-Products as an Alternative to Fishmeal?

More and more manufacturers and producers of aquafeed are opting for poultry-based proteins as an alternative to fishmeal due to their significant advantages in terms of both economics and sustainability:

• Cost Efficiency : Fishmeal is expensive and scarce, while poultry by-products are widely available and offer more stable pricing.
• Sustainability: Reduces dependency on fish harvesting, easing pressure on marine ecosystems. Utilizes by-products from the poultry industry, contributing to a circular economy.
• Nutritional Value:High-quality proteins with an excellent amino acid profile. Soluble feather meal, such as PEP’SOL?, improve digestibility and nutrient absorption in fish.
• Consistency and Reliability:Poultry by-products provide consistent quality and are less affected by factors such as climate change or fish population dynamics.
• Future-Proof Innovation:Through continuous technological advancements, products like EM'PAQ? and PEP’SOL? address the growing demand for sustainable and affordable solutions in the aquafeed sector.

Our Mission

At Empro, we remain committed to innovation and strive to be a reliable partner in the aquafeed industry. This research highlights our dedication to scientific progress and sustainable solutions, creating value for our customers and contributing to a sustainable future.

For more information, visit our product page:

https://empro-europe.com/aquaculture/

Or feel free to contact Empro directly via our general contact details: https://empro-europe.com/contact/