Pressure groups question the use of fishmeal in aquafeeds on ethical grounds. This has forced the feed industry to more seriously examine the use of alternative protein sources during the formulation process. Successful substitution of fishmeal with more sustainable proteins could act to limit or eliminate the aquafeed industry’s dependence upon uncertain fishmeal supplies.

Tilapia is one of the world's most widely farmed fish. Research work carried out in Egypt by Abdel-Tawwab and Ahmad Metwalli for the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries could save growers money on their feed bills and get their fish out of the ponds faster, while at the same time reduce the reliance of fish meal in diets; a goal long sought by industry and researchers alike. John Mosig reports.

In this and in upcoming issues of Feed Tech Dr Joachim Hertrampf will elaborate on items that affect shrimp farming and feeding, which he frequently writes about as a consultant in the monthly newsletter "Shrimp Matters", of The Waterbase in Chennai, India. In his first contribution of this serial protein is put in the spotlight.

In culturing fish in captivity, nothing is more important than sound nutrition and adequate feeding. The cost of feeding is the major cost in fish culture. The production of cost-effective nutritionally balanced diets for fish requires efforts in research, quality control and biological evaluation.

It seems that the MBM ban is not only hitting the animal feed industry hard. Increased demand for fishmeal is pushing up prices, leading the aquaculture sector to look for new protein sources, both plant and animal. Whilst growth and efficiency of alternatives will probably determine their eventual use, the effects on immune function should not be overlooked.