October 30, 2007

 

US group invites collaborative research on plant-based aquafeeds

 

 

A US group aiming to improve the use of plant materials in aquafeed, specifically soy, is seeking collaborative research on the subject.

 

Any researcher, from the public or private sectors, with an expertise relevant to the research described in the PPA Strategic Plan is welcome to participate in the PPA Working Group as it works toward its implementation.

 

The aquafeed industry has long recognised the use of plant feedstuffs in aquafeeds is essential for sustainable development of aquaculture.

 

Such plant feedstuffs must provide cost-effective diets that will grow aquatic species with minimal environmental impact.

 

Despite research efforts, there are factors that limit the amount of plant protein that can be used in diets of carnivorous species, including most marine species.

 

The Plant Products in Aquafeed (PPA) Working Group is an informal association of international experts who have developed a roadmap of the research needed to optimise the use of renewable and sustainable plant feedstocks in diets of cultured marine carnivorous fish.

 

The PPA Strategic Plan has seven goals with objectives and performance measures:

 

1. Establish standardized research approaches and protocols for systematic evaluation of plant feedstuffs across carnivorous fish species;

 

2. Enhance fish germplasm and discover genes;

 

3. Enhance the inherent composition of crops to provide a beneficial balance of bioactive compounds in order to optimize their use in aquafeeds for carnivorous fish;

 

4. Increase understanding of interactions between gastrointestinal microflora and plant tolerance in fish;

 

5. Improve and optimize ingredient processing, feed manufacturing technology and feed formulations to increase inclusion of plant-derived ingredients in the diet of carnivorous fish;

 

6. Optimize the storage, nutritional and sensory quality of aquaculture species for human consumption, and

 

7. Develop an international communications network for research on optimizing plant products in aquafeed.

 

To be added to the PPA mailing list, contact Diane Bellis of AgSource Inc. at dbellis@agsourceinc.com.