September 5, 2007

DDGS shows promise as aquafeed

Rising interest in aquaculture in Indonesia is creating an opportunity for US distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), according to the US Grains Council (USGC).

Indonesian aquaculture feed production is estimated at 650,000 tonnes and the government expects an annual 10 percent growth in the industry. USGC estimates that at current production levels, Indonesia's aquaculture sector could use up to 97,500 tonnes of DDGS.

Feeding trials using DDGS in catfish and tilapia feed in Vietnam have shown promise, according to papers presented at IndoAqua 2007, an aquaculture conference organised by Indonesia's Ministry of Fisheries.

The trials were conducted by Dr. Budi Tangendjaja, USGC technical programme manager in Indonesia, and Tran Trong Chien, USGC country representative in Vietnam.

According to Tangendjaja, interest in DDGS has been overwhelming.

DDGS has been tested in Vietnam and Indonesia for feeding tilapia and can be included up to 15 percent in the feed, Tangendjaja said, adding that some feed mills in Indonesia have already begun including DDGS in their formulation.

Rising prices for fishmeal, a traditional ingredient in fish farms, have prompted farmers in aquaculture to seek alternative feeds.