March 8, 2011

 

Brazil's search for alternative ingredients in aquaculture feeds progresses

 

 

Brazillian scientists are doing research to find alternative ingredients to prepare fishmeal.

 

These initiatives are targeted to lower production costs and reduce the environmental impact of the current ingredients.

 

The first outcomes of the Aquabrasil project were presented on March 1 at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (Embrapa), in Pantanal, Corumbá.

 

Roselany Corrêa, a researcher at Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, in Belén, said that experiments will comprise the use of dende, sunflower and coconut flour, among others.

 

Mango flour, passion fruit waste and Amazon fruits will be used for the production of fishmeal for the Tambaqui fish; one of the species that is being studied as part of the Aquabrasil project.

 

Correa said that it is essential to refine the research to select the best choices of food.

 

"We can help organisations to work with the agencies responsible for rural extension, so that this knowledge reaches the farmers," she said.

 

In the meantime, Márcia Mayumi, a researcher at Embrapa Agropecuaria Oeste, in Dourados, presented some intriguing results related to hygiene conditions, safety and prevention.

 

Besides academic and scientific studies, Aquabrasil is also generating information about health-related procedures.