Challenges and Opportunities for Feed Additives in Aquaculture Feeds
Fish are among the most efficient farm animals in converting feed nutrients into edible meat. In a resource-constrained world, aquaculture is an attractive option for expanding animal protein supply.
Aquaculture is the fastest growing industry producing animal protein, with an average annual growth rate of 10 percent during the 1980s and 1990s. For the decade 2012-2022, aquaculture is forecasted to grow between 29 and 50% (FAO 2014).
For more Info | Download PDF Copy
Still aquafeed only represents 4-5% of global animal feed production and is fragmented over many species and countries around the globe. This lack of critical mass has limited research developments, particularly for tropical species of fish and shrimp. At the same time, the young aquaculture industry suffers from several bottlenecks which need to be solved to maintain the sustainable growth which is required to satisfy global demand for fish and shrimp in the near future.
Aquaculture additives are chemical compounds that help to boost up the immunity of the organisms such as salmon, trout, crab, sea bass, shrimps, and others, protect aquatic animals from infection, and offer necessary nutrients to aquatic organisms. These additives contain energy and nutrient sources, which are essential for fish growth and health. An increase in demand for aquaculture additives in developing countries and extensive use of these additives to enhance the overall aquaculture production are factors expected to drive the aquaculture additive market. This is further encouraging companies to increase the production of these additives.