JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 Volume 20 Number 1 New: Antidumping and Countervailing duties All-Male Freshwater Prawn: Post Larvae and Grow-out Navigating the Wave of Sustainability Protein hydrolysates for gut health in marine fish MCI (P) 012/10/2023 PPS1699/08/2013(022974)
ISBN 1793 -056
Marine Shrimp: Reflections with Low Prices
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Contents
1
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 Volume 20 Number 1 New: Antidumping and Countervailing duties All-Male Freshwater Prawn: Post Larvae and Grow-out
Volume 20, Number 1 January/February 2024 MCI (P) 012/10/2023 ISBN 1793-056
Navigating the Wave of Sustainability Protein hydrolysates for gut health in marine fish MCI (P) 012/10/2023 PPS1699/08/2013(022974)
ISBN 1793 -056
Marine Shrimp: Reflections with Low Prices
From the editor 2 Ten Points in our ‘To Watch List’ for 2024 Industry News 4 US investigates antidumping and countervailing duties on frozen warmwater shrimp 6 New appointment and MOU on shrimp welfare
www.aquaasiapac.com
Hatchery and Nursery 8 Feed supplementation with a Bacillus probiotic blend for control of pathogenic Vibrio in cultured shrimp
Polyculture of marine shrimp and giant freshwater prawn in Thailand. p22. Editor/Publisher Zuridah Merican, PhD Tel: +6012 205 3130 Email: zuridah@aquaasiapac.com Editorial Coordination Corporate Media Services P L Tel: +65 6327 8825/6327 8824 Fax: +65 6223 7314 Email: irene@corpmediapl.com Web: www.corpmediapl.com Design and Layout Words Worth Media Management Pte Ltd Email: sales@wordsworth.com.sg Web: www.wordsworth.com.sg AQUA Culture Asia Pacific is published bimonthly by
Rex Ferdinand M. Traifalgar, Rowena E. Cadiz, Emelyn Joy G. Mameloco, Fredson H. Huervana, Carmelo del Castillo, Mark R Napulan, Ramir Lee and Craig L. Browdy report on trials in the Philippines
13 Commercial production of all-male giant freshwater prawn post larvae in Thailand LST produces uniform all-male post larvae and next is genetic improvement of the Thai strain. By Zuridah Merican
17 It all starts at the hatchery level Critical for profitability and future success in farms are the basics and adapting management protocols to genetic lines, says the panel at TARS 2023
Shrimp Aquaculture 22 Polyculture of marine shrimp and giant freshwater prawn in Chachoengsao Province The astonishing success with vannamei shrimp, say Zuridah Merican and Soraphat Panakorn
24 What does it take to produce sustainable Asian shrimp? Navigating the wave of sustainability in shrimp aquaculture by the TARS 2023 Hard Talk panel
Feed Technology 30 Field application of a synergistic blend of organic acids to promote growth performance of fish and shrimp
Aqua Research Pte Ltd 3 Pickering Street, #02-36 Nankin Row, Singapore 048660 Web: www.aquaasiapac.com Tel: +65 9151 2420 Fax: +65 6223 7314 Printed in Singapore by Times Printers Private Limited 18 Tuas Avenue 5 Singapore 639342 Subscriptions Subscribe via the website at www.aquaasiapac.com Subscriptions can begin at any time. Subscriptions rate/year (6 issues): SGD 70, Email: subscribe@aquaasiapac.com Tel: +65 9151 2420 Fax: +65 6223 7314 Copyright © 2024 Aqua Research Pte Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owners. Aqua Culture Asia Pacific is a print and digital magazine. View E-magazine & Download PDF of past issues for free www.aquaasiapac.com
I-Tung Chen, Martin Guerin, Gilberto Hernández, Mèrce Isern | Subich and Waldo G. Nuez-Ortín investigate.
34 ‘You are what you eat’: Enhancing fish gut health for optimal feed performance Mikael Herault and Kyeong- Jun Lee discuss the potential of marine protein hydrolysates in red seabream
38 The power of nutrition for the industry in Asia Report on dsm-firmenich’s 28th Aqua Conference Asia Pacific on assessing ingredients and towards consistent quality shrimp feeds
Interview 42 Revolutionising global shrimp aquaculture with precision diagnostics Dedicated on reducing risks by reshaping health and disease diagnostics, Genics’ Melony Sellars talks to AAP.
Industry Review on Marine Shrimp 44 Asian marine shrimp in 2023: Reflections with lowest prices in a decade Zuridah Merican reviews how low prices started the ‘stop and start’ trend. 48 Marketing amidst resurgence in supply for Asia’s black tiger shrimp in 2023 An exploration of market trends and strategies for this “pride of Asia” 52 Trade, supply, and consumption at the second Global Shrimp Forum Show Review 55 Aquaculture Europe in 2023, August 2023 The people, science and products.
Company & Event News 60 Appointments 62 Humane stunning of shrimp January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
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From the editor
Ten Points in our ‘To Watch List’ for 2024
Zuridah Merican
T
he aquaculture outlook for 2024 will be highly dependent on the state of the global economy. Economists have forecasted the US Federal Reserve to start cutting interest rates in the 2nd half of the year while China is expected to face deflation. The US, China and Europe are our 3 largest markets and hence will determine the demand side. Will these actions lower the market prices of aquaculture products and increase consumption? What will drive aquaculture’s growth in Asia? To be concise it may be best to look at Asia-Pacific’s aquaculture position from the following perspectives:
Shrimp
1. Shrimp already faces an oversupply situation with Ecuador expecting to reach 1.4 million tonnes production in 2023, a 12% increase. China is expected to import a million tonnes of shrimp, albeit, at much lower aggregate prices on a per kg basis. The latest 3rd quarter 2023 shrimp imports in the US have shown to be robust ie. showing y-o-y increases and may finish the year close to 800,000 tonnes, again at lower per kg prices. 2. These low prices will cascade to farmgate prices putting pressure on farmers to skip cycles in order not to lose money. AAP’s Sep/ Oct23 quick review of farmgate prices shows Ecuador with the lowest prices. Will Ecuador increase its market share as a lowcost producer, and will we see more consolidation in-country?
3. The US Department of Commerce has announced the initiation of antidumping duty investigations on Ecuador and Indonesia and countervailing duty investigations on Ecuador, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The case calendar has listed June 17 and April 2, 2024, respectively, as dates for final determinations. Arguably, Indonesia faces the biggest challenge as more than 70% of its exports is bound for the US and pivoting to other markets may not be happening so quickly.
Fish
4. Tilapia from China still faces a 25% import duty into the US which places Central American countries and Brazil at an advantage. 5. Pangasius production in Vietnam will achieve 1.6 tonnes in 2023 but the export value is expected to fall 25% compared to the previous year. 2024 will see continued price pressure and China will be the largest buyer. 6. Although marine fish aquaculture has been targeted as the third leg for expansion in Asia, this has not taken off as expected. TARS 2024 Finfish Aquaculture: ‘Steering an Industry into Focus’ on August 14-15 will review the challenges and look for strategies for growth.
Feed
7. Both soybean meal and corn prices have fallen nearly 30% over the past 12 months. The price outlook will remain subdued as the US government offers incentives to produce renewable energy like ethanol from corn. The co-products will have to find a market in the feed sector. Conversely, fishmeal prices have increased 25% over the past 5 years. The recent increase has been due to El Niño affecting the fishing quotas off the coast of Peru. According to Rabobank, this will persist for the 1st half of 2024.
OUR MISSION We strive to be the beacon for the regional aquaculture industry. We will be the window to the world for Asia-Pacific aquaculture producers and a door to the market for international suppliers. We strive to be the forum for the development of self-regulation in the Industry.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
8. Overall, feed prices are expected to fall. Faced with lower shrimp farmgate prices, many countries in Asia are promoting lower crude protein feeds at lower prices to help farmers maintain margins. Together with smart feeding, the benefits could be reduced sludge accumulation and hence the threat of disease. 9. There will be a push for sustainable feeds coming from sustainable ingredients which carries with it a cost. Certification bodies are working along the supply chain to create this pull from the retail end.
Supply chain
10. Freight rates from Asia to Europe have doubled to USD4,000 and will continue to remain high as ships avoid the Suez Canal route. Due to low water levels, the Panama Canal has capped the daily number of vessels traversing this channel. The traffic jams at Panama together with sailing longer distances around Africa will tighten the availability of ships. As often said, the industry in Asia is resilient and will continue to provide seafood to the world. After all, 2024 in the Chinese Zodiac is a Wood Dragon year, making it the perfect time for rejuvenated beginnings and setting foundations for long term success! WE WISH YOU A HAPPY AND PROPEROUS 2024
If you have any comments, please email: zuridah@aquaasiapac.com
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Industry News
Antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam export credits, and the provision of land, water, and other inputs. This should bring a measure of market correction and needed relief to the entire domestic shrimp industry.
O
n November 15, 2023, the US Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced that it will initiate antidumping duty (AD) investigations of frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador and Indonesia and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. On December 8, 2023, in a press release, the USITC announced that it has determined that there is a reasonable indication that the US industry is materially injured by reason of imports of frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador and Indonesia that are allegedly sold in the US at less than fair value and subsidised by the governments of Ecuador and Indonesia and imports of frozen warmwater shrimp from India and Vietnam that are allegedly subsidised by the governments of India and Vietnam.
The petition
This latest development came about after the American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA) filed trade petitions on October 25, 2023, seeking antidumping duties on imported frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador and Indonesia and countervailing duties on imported shrimp from Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The claim was that the US shrimp market has been overwhelmed by massive quantities of underpriced shrimp imports, resulting in unsustainably low dockside prices, falling domestic market share, significantly lower profit margins, and historically high inventory levels. Imports from the four countries were valued at over USD6.6 billion in 2022, accounting for over 90% of all imported frozen warmwater shrimp. ASPA estimates dumping margins for Ecuador ranging as high as 111% and dumping margins for Indonesia ranging as high as 37%. In addition, ASPA documented dozens of government subsidy programs benefitting shrimp farmers and processors in Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, including subsidised loans, tax concessions, grants,
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
ASPA said that shrimp imports from the four countries increased by more than 200 million pounds (90,909 tonnes) from 2020 to 2022, taking market share from an already vulnerable domestic industry. Imports also deeply undersold domestic shrimp, driving down prices to historically low levels in 2023 for both fishermen and processors. As a result, the domestic industry’s profit margin has all but disappeared, threatening the future viability of an industry that is critical to the Gulf region’s economy and cultural heritage.
Dates to follow
Since two determinations are affirmative, full investigations at both agencies will last into the fall of 2024. Henceforth the dates in 2024 will be as below. AD
CVD
Commerce Preliminary Determinations
April 2, 2024
January 18, 2024
Commerce Final Determinations
June 17, 2024
April 2, 2024
ITC Final Determination
August 1, 2024
May 17, 2024
ITC Final Determination
August 8, 2024
May 24, 2024
Subject of this investigation
The products are certain frozen warmwater shrimp and prawns whether wild-caught (ocean harvested) or farmraised (produced by aquaculture), head-on or headoff, shell-on or peeled, tail-on or tail-off, deveined or not deveined, cooked or raw, or otherwise processed in frozen form and sold in any count size.
Responses Indonesia
The Aquaculture Directorate of the Ministry of Marine Affairs indicated in local news outlets that it is prepared to handle AD and CVD cases, especially in preparing explanations for policies or programs that are deemed as subsidies, especially in the fisheries sector, such as facilitating financing for the fisheries sector, and insurance for small-scale farmers, explained the Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine
Industry News Ecuador
2020
2021
2022
Volume (kg) 120,784,034
177,592,689
191,336,456
Value (USD) 751,319,529
1,319,205,859
1,435,206,138
India
2021
2022
Volume (kg) 270,489,085
2020
339,249,031
301,665,803
Value (USD) 2,327,252,331
2,952,490,962
2,735,705,599
Indonesia
2021
2022
150,599,111
139,538,956
2020
5
and ministries. Trinh Anh Tuan, Director of the Trade Remedies Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) said that now Vietnam is being investigated for the second time with many charges. “Over the past 10 years, the current investigation has had a number of changes, including investigating new alleged subsidy programs and changing the list of related businesses.”
Accordingly, the US is investigating frozen warm water shrimp under the HS codes 0306.17, 1605.21, 1605.29. Although Value (USD) 1,320,948,672 1,400,354,851 1,400,352,373 Vietnam’s frozen warm water shrimp products Vietnam 2020 2021 2022 were only investigated for anti-subsidy, the number of plaintiff’s alleged programs in Volume (kg) 54,045,058 73,355,461 51,200,829 the US was much larger, so the DOC decided Value (USD) 599,425,277 851,362,219 645,170,500 to investigate all 40 programs. Many of the alleged programs have new and complex Source: U.S. Census Bureau, accessed through S&P Global Trade Atlas (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States content, involving several ministries, branches, and localities at various levels. The alleged subsidy programs (HTSUS) include provisions of goods or services for less than and Fishery Products (PDSPKP), Budi Sulistiyo in a adequate remuneration, preferential lending, export credit programs, tax programs, grant programs, and other written statement on 6 January 2024. subsidies. A notable point is that DOC also investigates a series of programs under the fisheries development India The Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) and strategy and fisheries industry development program. Volume (kg) 145,914,035
Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) will be providing the required data to the US to counter allegations by ASPA. The vice president of MPEDA and president of SEAI, Jagdish Fofandi said, “ASPA claimed that the export from India is subsidised by the Indian government. The RoDTEP scheme for the exporters is according to the compliance of WTO (World Trade Organisation).” If India fails to convince the US not to impose the AD and CVD, the export of Indian shrimp exports to America will become costlier by 6 to 10%.
Vietnam
Responding to this lawsuit is considered arduous and difficult, requiring the consensus of relevant businesses
References Initiation of AD and CVD investigations of Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from Multiple Countries https://www.trade.gov/ initiation-ad-and-cvd-investigations-frozen-warmwatershrimp-multiple-countries Trade petitions, including public copies of ASPA filings, https:// americanshrimp.com/trade-case/. Information regarding the antidumping and countervailing duty petitions on Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. https://www.whitecase.com/ insight-alert/information-regarding-antidumping-andcountervailing-duty-petitions-frozen-warmwater
Sunset review for current AD petition In the latest sunset review for the existing AD orders on frozen warmwater shrimp from China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam on June 1, 2023, the USITC affirmed determinations. As a result, the existing orders on imports of this product from these countries will remain in place. The next sunset review on these antidumping duty orders will be in June of 2028. https://usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/ er0601_63963.htm
Chronology of events
• December 31, 2003. The US Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the US International Trade Commission (USITC) to impose antidumping duties on shrimp imports from Ecuador, Brazil, India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. • February 17, 2004. USITC determined that there was enough evidence to support the claim made
by the SSA that the six countries are unfairly selling their shrimp in the US market. • November 30, 2004. DOC announced final duties for China and Vietnam as: Brazil - 4.97% to 67.80%; China- 0.07% to 112.81%; Ecuador-1.97% to 4.42%; India-4.94% to 15.36%; Thailand -5.29% to 6.82% and Vietnam -4.30% to 25.76%. • June 4, 2007. DOC eliminated the AD on frozen warmwater shrimp imported from Ecuador after the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ordered a recalculation of the duty rates. • May 2, 2017. In the 5-year sunset review USITC revoked the AD order on shrimp from Brazil. Reference Owusu-Kodua, Derrick. (2016). Anti-Dumping Measures on Shrimp Imports –: A Case Study of the Dispute between the U.S. Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) and Shrimp Exporters from China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Ecuador, and Brazil. 10.13140/RG.2.1.4131.8488.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
6
Industry News
Castex to succeed Le Treut as Lallemand Animal Nutrition President, General Manager I n December, Lallemand announced that Mathieu Castex, PhD., will succeed Yannig Le Treut, DVM, as President & General Manager of Lallemand Animal Nutrition on Feb. 1, 2024. Castex comes to the position after serving as the company’s Director of Research & Development since 2014. Le Treut successfully led Lallemand Animal Nutrition since 2012. To ensure a seamless transition, he will take on the role of Senior Vice President & Special Advisor at the Lallemand Group level, while supporting Lallemand Animal Nutrition’s management team and leadership transition over the next several years. “I am extremely pleased that, in Mathieu, we have a leader with a strong scientific background, aligned with the product offerings we have for our customers around the world. In addition, his product management and commercial experience make him an excellent choice to build on the success Yannig achieved over the past decade leading the Lallemand Animal Nutrition
team,” said Bill Nankervis, Executive VP and COO of the Lallemand Group. Castex added, “I am delighted to be able to continue to channel my fervour for microbiology, animals and animal breeding in the service of the Animal Nutrition business unit. I am honoured to be entrusted with succeeding Yannig in leading this remarkable team and business, which he played an integral role in establishing and strengthening. I am confident that our specialised teams — when coupled with science-based products, innovation, and our dedication to customer satisfaction — represent a winning formula for success for us, our partners, and our industry.” Castex joined Lallemand Animal Nutrition in 2009 as the product manager leading the yeast derivatives and aquaculture portfolio. He graduated from AgrosParisTech in Paris, France, now part of the University ParisSaclay, and holds a doctoral degree in microbiology and physiology of nutrition. Castex’s experience includes research and development, product management and business development within animal nutrition and health. www.lallemand.com
Partnering Can Tho University to enhance shrimp welfare in Vietnam T his groundbreaking partnership promises to shape the future of aquaculture practices in the region. FAI Farms has joined forces with Can Tho University to advance shrimp welfare in Vietnam. Welfare remains poorly understood despite the extent and importance of shrimp farming to Vietnam and other Asian countries. Through this pioneering collaboration, both parties aim to progress the science, set new standards, and foster sustainable practices in the Vietnamese aquaculture industry. The partnership was formalised during a dedicated welfare session at the 11th International Fisheries Symposium (IFS) held in Bangkok in November. FAI Farms signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Can Tho University, outlining a comprehensive plan to evaluate and improve how shrimp welfare is assessed and managed in Vietnam. “The focus is on whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei welfare in Vietnamese trial farms, using our industryleading welfare assessment protocol,” explained FAI Farms Aquaculture Project Manager, Marius Nicolini. “By involving Vietnamese scientists, we are using the strength of collaboration to increase understanding and influence practices related to shrimp welfare. It will play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable and ethical farming methods within the aquaculture industry in Vietnam. January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
“Engaging farmers in discussions about welfare is not always straightforward or easy, and it requires them to view their animals from a new perspective. It is vital for them to remember when animals are living their best lives, they also achieve higher and better quality levels of production.” The dynamics of the fish farming market in Asia differ significantly from other regions globally, and FAI Farms believes cooperation between countries is crucial to improve welfare. “By tailoring welfare practices to the unique conditions in Asia, the region can emerge as a leading advocate for exemplary fish and shrimp care on a global scale,” added Marius. www.faifarms.com
Marius Nicolini (third left) with the team from Can Tho University: Researcher, Huynh Phuoc Vinh (left), Vice Dean Tran Minh Phu (second left) and Dean Vu Ngoc Ut (third right) and from FAI Farms CTO, Ralf Onken (second right) and Project Manager, Pau Badia (right).
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LALSEA and LALPACK are on-farm, ready-to-use microbial solutions added to rearing water, to the soil or coated on the feed. LALSEA and LALPACK help enhance farm performance and profitability. Lallemand has selected the best strains to safely support a good pond environment and optimize animal gut and immune health using its experience as a pioneer and primary producer of yeast and bacteria for more than 100 years. Not all products are available in all markets nor associated claims allowed in all regions. LALLEMAND ANIMAL NUTRITION www.lallemandanimalnutrition.com
SPECIFIC FOR YOUR SUCCESS
8
Hatchery and Nursery
Feed supplementation with a Bacillus probiotic blend for control of pathogenic Vibrio in cultured shrimp An effective strategy against mass mortalities caused by Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections in cultured Penaeus vannamei By Rex Ferdinand M. Traifalgar, Rowena E. Cadiz, Emelyn Joy G. Mameloco, Fredson H. Huervana, Carmelo del Castillo, Mark R Napulan, Ramir Lee and Craig L. Browdy
T
he farming of Penaeus vannamei is a billion USD industry. However, with the intensification of culture systems to meet a growing market demand, the farming is challenged by emerging pathogens, threatening the economic viability and sustainability of this industry. To date, the industry has been stricken with serious economic losses due to the outbreaks of bacterial pathogens that include Vibrio parahaemolyticus and luminous Vibrio harveyi. V. parahaemolyticus is known as the causative agent of the early mortality syndrome (EMS), technically known as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). This disease is caused by a strain of V. parahaemolyticus (VpAHPND) with insect neurotoxins that are highly pathogenic to shrimp. It has been associated with mass mortalities in shrimp farms across the Asia-Pacific region. Luminous vibriosis disease caused by V. harveyi is an important bacterial pathogen in cultured shrimp and is known to cause shrimp mortalities of up to 100% in hatcheries and grow-out operations. The efficient control of bacterial fish pathogens with the application of probiotics is well established. Similarly, there have been some reports on the application of lactic acid probiotic bacteria to control APHND infections in shrimp. However, information on probiotics that are effective in controlling both pathogenic luminous V. harveyi and VpAPHND is very limited or non-existent. Also, the effectiveness of an applied probiotic consortia to control disease-causing Vibrio in shrimp has not been fully evaluated. This article describes work conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a mixed-species Bacillus probiotics
to prevent infection caused by luminous V. harveyi and VpAPHND in cultured juvenile P. vannamei.
Feeding trial
To evaluate the efficacy of the mixed Bacillus species probiotics, a feeding trial was conducted using groups of P. vannamei that were maintained with diets supplemented with the test probiotics and a control that received no probiotic supplementation. The probiotic blend evaluated in this study was a selected mixed Bacillus species probiotic (RescueTMZeigler USA) that is known to exhibit inhibitory properties against Vibrio. The test juveniles (mean weight, 1.0g) were obtained from a local hatchery in Panay Island, Philippines. The trial had five treatments in triplicates. Experimental shrimp were randomly distributed in 15 plastic tanks of 135L capacity at a density of 80 shrimp per tank. The treatment group includes the negative control (one group), the positive controls (two groups, one for V. harveyi exposure and one for V. parahaemolyticus exposure), and the two treated groups receiving the Rescue supplemented diets (one for V. harveyi exposure and the other for V. parahaemolyticus exposure). The negative control group was maintained with diets without probiotic supplementation and was not exposed to the pathogens. The positive control was maintained with diets without probiotics supplements but was exposed to V. harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus pathogens. The treated group was maintained with probiotic supplemented diets and was exposed to the test bacterial pathogens.
Feeding schedule during the 21-day feeding trial.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
10 Hatchery and Nursery A
B
Figure 1. Vibrio harveyi (A) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (B) bactericidal activity of Rescue™ probiotics. Spot in Lawn Assay, Mueller Hinton Agar with 2% NaCl, 24-hour incubation.
The experimental animals were fed daily at 10% of their body weight. The feed allocation was divided equally into four feed rations given at 8:00am, 11:00am, 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Before the start of the pathogen exposure test, the treated groups (two groups) were fed with probioticssupplemented diets (Rescue, 1g/kg, 109 CFU/kg feeds) for 6 days to initiate probiotic gut colonization. Following the 6-day pre-feeding period, the pathogen exposed groups were challenged during the 8:00am feeding only, with diets top coated with V. harveyi, and V. parahaemolyticus at a LC50 concentration of 107 CFU/g feed. During the trial, dead shrimp were recorded and collected daily in each experimental group and the mortality rates between the control groups and the experimental groups were calculated. The trial was terminated on day 21, 15 days after pathogen exposure. To confirm the mechanism of Vibrio inhibitory activity of the probiotic, an in vitro plate inhibition assay was also performed to evaluate the bactericidal activity against V. parahaemolyticus and V. harveyi. Direct bactericidal activity of the probiotic was evaluated as a clear zone of inhibition when the probiotic was spotted in the lawn of the pathogens plated in a solid media. Results were analysed using SPSS16 with a significance level set at 0.05. Bacterial counts were log-transformed before being subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine if there were differences among the treatments for each sampling time. The results with significant differences were subjected to post-hoc analysis using Tukey’s Test.
Inhibition of pathogenic Vibrio
Results from this trial confirmed that Rescue probiotics exhibited potent bactericidal activity against the test pathogens, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. harveyi. Direct bactericidal activity of the probiotics manifested as a clear zone of inhibition when the probiotic was spotted in the lawn of the pathogens plated in a solid media (Figure 1 A and 1B). January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Total gut Bacillus counts
Results indicated that dietary supplementation of the mixed Bacillus probiotics influenced the total gut Bacillus counts in the treated shrimp group as compared to the control groups (Figure 2). Total Bacillus counts in shrimp gut in the Rescue treatment group showed a significant increase starting from day 3. The significant increase in gut Bacillus contents during the early phase of the rearing indicated colonization of the applied probiotics on the shrimp gut. Bacillus species are known to be surface colonizers and are also known to effectively colonize the digestive tract of aquatic animals. However, in the present work, the level of gut Bacillus counts was found to be similar in all the treatment groups in the last weeks of the trial. The data suggested that endogenous Bacillus were also present in shrimp gut specifically in the negative control group. Bacillus species are known to comprise the natural gut microflora of aquatic animals and have been documented to be also present in shrimp gut. The increase in the control group gut Bacillus counts could be attributed to the growth of this normal bacterial flora in response to the nutrients coming from the feeds.
Lower total counts for V. harveyi and VpAHPND
The total V. harveyi colony counts in the gut of the probiotics treated group were lower than the counts in the positive control group in all the sampling periods (Figure 3A). However, the difference in counts was not statistically significant among the treatments. The enhanced Bacillus gut colonization in the group receiving the mixed probiotic strains could account for the trend towards lower counts of luminous V. harveyi in the shrimp gut. No V. harveyi was observed in the gut of the negative control group. In contrast to V. harveyi gut colony counts, V. parahaemolyticus colony counts in the shrimp gut were similar in all the treatments and no clear influence of
Hatchery and Nursery
11
probiotic blend that might have inhibited the gut tissue entry, infectivity and or pathogenicity of luminous V. harveyi and the AHPND causing V. parahaemolyticus.
Figure 2. Bacillus spp. count in the gut of Penaeus vannamei fed with RescueTM probiotics.
the probiotic addition could be observed (Figure 3B). However, the V. parahaemolyticus colony counts in the hepatopancreas suggested that the probiotic-treated group had significantly lower colony counts of V. parahaemolyticus in almost all the sampling periods. These data indicated that dietary application of the probiotic blend promoted the active colonization of the Bacillus probiotics in the shrimp gut and in effect might have inhibited populations of pathogenic V. harveyi and V. parahemolyticus in the shrimp gut.
The significantly higher survival observed in the treated groups could probably be associated with the lower numerical counts of the bacterial pathogens in the shrimp gut. These results might further support the hypothesis that suppression of the pathogenicity of V. harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus due to Rescue supplementation could be linked to the high gut colonization activity, indicated by higher Bacillus counts in shrimp gut. The efficient colonization of Rescue Bacillus could have reduced V. harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus gut populations inhibiting the infection and/or the pathogenicity in the hepatopancreas. The hepatopancreas is considered the main target tissue of V. harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus. It has been known that V. parahaemolyticus manifests its pathogenicity by infecting and damaging the hepatopancreatic cells of shrimp. The efficient colonization of Rescue probiotics might have prevented the entry of these pathogens in the hepatopancreas and/or reduced their pathogenicity, hence resulting in the significantly higher survival in the treatment group as compared to the positive control group.
Efficacy of mixed Bacillus probiotics in preventing mortality
The infection challenge test results indicated that the treated group fed Rescue probiotics, exhibited a 33% improvement (Treated, 60%) in survival as compared to the control group (Control, 46%) when exposed to infectious luminous V. harveyi. Similarly, supplementation of the mixed Bacillus probiotics showed a 40% improvement in survival (Treated, 66%) as compared to the control group (Control, 47%, Figure 4) following exposure to pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus. This improvement in survival could be attributed to the efficient gut colonization of the Bacillus strains in the
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Demonstration farm in Cebu, Philippines using RescueTM top coated in shrimp feed.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
12 Hatchery and Nursery Collectively, the present findings showed that dietary supplementation with the mixed Bacillus probiotics could reduce the populations of pathogenic V. harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus, lessen the virulence of the pathogens, and/or enhance the resistance of P. vannamei against these bacterial infectious agents. Additional research will be needed to further elucidate the mode of action of the observed reduction in mortality. Dietary supplementation of Rescue probiotics was shown to be an effective biocontrol approach to minimise mortality and associated economic losses caused by luminous vibriosis and AHPND in the commercial farming of P. vannamei.
A
Rex Ferdinand M. Traifalgar, PhD, is Professor and Director, Institute of Aquaculture.
Rowena E. Cadiz and Fredson H. Huervana are instructors at the Institute of Aquaculture.
B
ure 4 B
Figure 3. Vibrio harveyi (A) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (B) colony counts in the gut of Penaeus vannamei fed with RescueTM probiotics. A
B 100
Emelyn Joy G. Mameloco is Research Associate, Institute of Aquaculture.
90 80 100
Survival Survival (%) (%)
ure 4 A
90 70 80 60 70 50 60
B
a
a
ab
50 40
Carmelo del Castillo, PhD, is Director at National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.
b
40 30 30 20 20 10 10 00
00
3
6
9
12 12
15 15
18 18
Above authors are with the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences of the University of the Philippines Visayas.
21 21
DOC DOC
control (-) control (+) w/ Rescue control (-) control (+) w/ Rescue
A
gure 4 B
Mark Rowel Napulan is Asia Sales Manager, based in the Philippines. Email: mark.napulan@zeiglerfeed.com
B 100 90 80
Survival (%)
70
a
60 50
b
40 30
Ramir Lee is Regional Technical Manager. Email: ramir.lee@zeiglerfeed.com
20 10 0
0
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6
9
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21
DOC
B
control (-)
control (+)
w/ Rescue
Figure 4. Survival of Penaeus vannamei fed diets supplemented with RescueTM probiotics and exposed to Vibrio harveyi (A) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (B) in an infection challenge test over 21 days.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Craig L. Browdy, PhD is Director of Research and Development. Email: craig.browdy@zeiglerfeed.com
Above authors are with Zeigler Bros., Inc
Hatchery and Nursery
13
Commercial production of all-male giant freshwater prawn post larvae in Thailand LST in Chachoengsao Province has an ambitious plan for genetic improvement of the Thai strain after developing SPF broodstock and hatchery rearing for high survival and uniform all-male post larvae By Zuridah Merican
L
ukkungsetthi Company, or LST, in Amphoe Ban Pho, Chachoengsao Province, is the only broodstock multiplication centre and hatchery in Thailand able to consistently supply all-male giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii post larvae for grow-out farms. At the AIT-organised international conference on the giant freshwater prawn, Giant Prawn 2023 (GP2023), in November, Somprasong Natetip, LST Founder and Director, described his journey since 2017. Next is to expand on his closed biosecure system for the genetic improvement of the Thai strain of this crustacean in terms of phenotype.
traditional practice is manually selecting males for culture during the grow-out, but it is labour-intensive and generally unsuccessful in producing an all male prawn monoculture.
In Thailand, similar to other Southeast Asian countries, the giant freshwater prawn sector faces issues with supply of post larvae due to several failings, either because the larvae do not reach post larvae stages or there is a delay. Common too are the non-uniformity in post larvae size, low survival rates and incidences of white tail disease.
Challenges in grow-out ponds
Grow-out using the conventional post larvae will result in different proportions of the morphotypic stages of the male prawn: 5% blue claw, 20% strong orange claw and orange claw and 25% small males. Some 50% of the population are females, which grow slower than male prawns. This combination usually results in growth by hierarchy behaviour, low survival rates, slow growth and low average daily growth, high feed conversion ratios (FCR) and more females with lower growth rates than males. Some of these have poor market prices. Khun Somprasong also added that there is a demand for prawns with big tails, short heads and small and orange claws in Thailand. Consequently, farming an all-male population is preferred. Males generally exhibit faster growth rates and are 2–3 times bigger and heavier than females of similar age. The
Somprasong Natetip, LST Founder and Director, wants to corporatise his hatchery to expand work on genetic improvement of the Thai strain of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in terms of phenotype.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
14 Hatchery and Nursery Commercialisation of all-male technology in Thailand
In 2006, Dr Wikrom Rungsin at the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, developed the technology to produce all males of the Thai strain of M. rosenbergii using a neo-female technology. This is ablation of the androgenic gland in 45-day post larvae (PL45). The androgenic gland is essential for sexual differentiation in prawns and the development of male primary and secondary sexual characteristics (Tan et al., 2020). Done at the right time, this delicate procedure causes the post larvae to develop into neo-females with chromosomes ZZ. Neo-females are mated with local males to produce all-male progeny theoretically. Neo-females are males functioning fully as females. As part of the “Talent Mobility” program of Kasetsart University, National Science Technology and Innovation Office of Thailand, LST is commercialising this technology. Dr Wikrom acts as a consultant at LST. Following a market survey and developing a vision for the freshwater prawn hatchery segment in Thailand, the company developed a prototype hatchery in 2017. However, for Khun Somprasong, it was not just adopting the process. It was more to do with the genetic improvement of the species. It has developed closed biosecure systems for a breeding program, targeting the production of fast-growing all-male post larvae from specific pathogen-free (SPF) broodstock. Since 2019, LST has a nucleus centre comprising separate facilities for quarantine, maturation, spawning and genetics selection and breeding. Then, there is a broodstock multiplication centre and hatchery. Nursery and grow-out ponds complement these facilities to conduct field trials. Samples were collected as founder stocks. One might think that large broodstock are required for good post larvae, but Khun Somprasong said, “It is only necessary to have a broodstock, even though small, which has been through the reproduction process until fertility is complete.” The criteria for SPF status required assurance of the absence of 5 major pathogens over a two-year period. These included white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), yellow head virus (YHV), Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) and extra small virus (XSV), both causative pathogens for white tail disease. There is also the monitoring for decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1) which has not been recorded in Thailand but is on the Department of Fisheries Thailand (DOF) monitoring list. “We cannot use live feeds for broodstock maturation to prevent contamination from pathogens,” said Khun Somprasong.
“We have developed the precise standard operating procedures to mass produce post larvae. We are proud that we can harvest nauplii daily, reach the post larvae stage in 14-15 days and complete in 4 days much faster than conventional post larvae produced with undomesticated broodstock. Our post larvae are of uniform sizes without going through a selection process. Post larvae are pathogen-free, and for every batch, larvae develop to post larvae well. We do not need to use antibiotics,” said Khun Somprasong. In the hatchery, there is a well-controlled feeding regime. LST produces its own pathogen-free instar 1 artemia (500µ) which can be kept in ice for 48 hours. The first feeding of nauplii is with this artemia at 100g/million nauplii. In later weeks, larvae are fed egg custard (300µ) with added astaxanthin and artemia, alternated at specific intervals to prevent water pollution. The hatchery team discussed the sources of artemia available in Thailand with participants and their pros and cons. They also indicated that when using GSL artemia, each gram contains 250,000 to 260,000 cysts.
In-house production of pathogen-free instar 1 artemia is used for feeding nauplii and subsequent feeding of larvae.
Post larvae are fed pelleted feeds. After PCR testing (PL4), they are sold to farmers and cultured in nursery ponds to gather growth performance data as feedback for the genetic improvement work.
Success rate in an all-male production In the case of LST, the current success ratio is > 90% male progeny. In his presentation, Khun Somprasong showed how for some post larvae the delicate ablation procedures can fail, indicated by a white shadow in the gland of the head (Figure 1).
Essentially, the game changer for Thailand’s M. rosenbergii industry is the closed biosecure facilities to keep pathogens away and control rearing conditions.
Quality and uniform post larvae production During a post-conference visit for GP2023 participants, LST hatchery staff explained some practices. At the prespawning stage, each male and female broodstock is held in one cubicle. In the mating tank, there is one male to 10 females. After moulting, prawns will mate very quickly; within a 15-minute interval, the females will allow entry of spermatozoa. Following hatching, nauplii are transferred into the closed indoor hatchery.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Figure 1. Post removal of the androgenic gland. (Left) the point on the head shows a successful removal and post larvae can develop into a neo-female. (Right) the line on the head indicates an unsuccessful procedure.
16 Hatchery and Nursery Stocking density Normal GFP size LST GFP size (PL/ 1,600 m2) and (count/kg) (count/kg) (PL/m2)
Size difference (count/kg)
% Difference
30,000 (19)
170-200
120-125
63
34.05%
50,000 (31)
200-250
140-180
65
28.88%
70,000 (44)
270-320
180-220
95
32.20% 30.76%
100,000 (63)
300-350
200-250
100
200,000 (125)
380-450
220-250
175
42.16%
200,000 (125)
900-1000 (40 days)
580-620 (40 days)
350 (40 days)
36.84% (40 days)
PL20 from the outdoor nursery ponds.
Table 1. Comparison of LST post larvae with conventional giant prawn in nursery culture at 60 days at different stocking densities.
“In the pond, one can find this combination: >90% males, higher survival rates, fast growth with low FCR and ultimately higher profit margins with lower costs of production.”
Nursery and pond grow-out
Harvests at nursery level and grow-out ponds justified the progress with LST’s post larvae. In Table 1, Khun Somprasong explained the growth of PL4 in outdoor nursery ponds compared with conventional stocks of post larvae available in Thailand. While LST’s stocks grew to size 120-125/kg, conventional stocks grew 34% slower to reach only size 170-200/kg after 60 days when stocked at 19 PL/ ha (Table 1)
Into the future
In 2020, LST worked on increasing production, from 50 million post larvae in 2017 to 300 million post larvae in 2020. In 2021, in cooperation with Kasetsart University, the plans included building up more farms. Khun Somprasong is now looking at a corporate image for the company, increasing production and reducing production costs, in parallel to developing a full-fledged genetic centre for Thailand’s M. rosenbergii and investing around THB 100 million (USD 2.85 million). It already has the permit from DOF to export post larvae. Meanwhile, the R&D cooperation with Kasetsart and NRTC will continue.
Field trials
Khun Somprasong described experiences in the field in the monoculture of his post larvae. This started with a nursery phase of 2 months to grow to 4g or 200-300 juveniles/kg. In the grow-out phase, the stocking was 7,000 to 10,000 juveniles/rai (1600m2). This translated to 5-6 juveniles/ m2. At days of culture (DOC) of 80-100 days, and after three times culling, the production totalled >2 tonnes/ha. (Related article: Polyculture of vannamei shrimp and giant freshwater prawn in Chachoengsao Province pages 22-23)
Inside the hatchery.
References: Kianann Tan, Huigong Jiang, Donghuo Jiang, Weimin Wang, Sex reversal and the androgenic gland (AG) in Macrobrachium rosenbergii: A review, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Volume 5, Issue 6, 2020, 283-288, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aaf.2019.11.004. Wikrom Rungsin, Natthapong Paankhao, Uthairat Na-Nakorn. 2006. Production of all-male stock by neo-female technology of the Thai strain of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Aquaculture, Volume 259, Issues 1–4, 2006, 88-94, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2006.05.041. Somprasong Natetip, Intensive all-male prawn seed production in closed system commercial success of an improved giant prawn strain in Thailand. Presented at Giant Prawn 2023, November 2729, Bangkok, Thailand. The new hatchery in Amphoe Ban Pho, Chachoengsao Province.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Hatchery and Nursery
17
It all starts at the hatchery level Critical for profitability and future success in farms are the basics and adapting management protocols to genetic lines
H
atcheries and nurseries deliver good post larvae and juveniles from various genetic lines of broodstock. Entering this equation are manufacturers of early-stage feeds. How can all three come together to address the concerns of hatcheries and farmers? Over the last 10 years, breeding companies have marketed a range of genetic lines for the vannamei shrimp to meet the needs of an industry where there is no standardisation of culture systems but beset with changing environments and disease challenges. Are quality post larvae products of merely good genetics, hatchery management or their combination. These were the issues discussed in a panel led by Rizky Darmawan, CEO, PT Delta Marine Indonesia, at TARS 2023 on Shrimp Aquaculture, held on August 1516.
Genetics and environment – What next?
Dan Fegan, Chief Impact Officer at SyAqua Group compared shrimp with poultry production. Nutrition is well understood in the latter, while in shrimp, it is less well understood. For example, body temperature in chickens is consistent so there is less variation in digestion than in coldblooded animals such as shrimp. The variety of conditions in shrimp culture (intensity, salinity, and temperature) is also much more variable and less controlled than in commercial poultry production. Genetics is responsible for between 10 and 40% of the variation in performance. “Overall, genetic influence on performance is generally less than 20% with water quality, nutrition, stress, pathogens, and management, which is one component of the environment, having a strong influence on genetics” said Fegan.
Which genetics?
At SyAqua, the genetic selection process involves the annual evaluation of 400 families, looking at growth and followed by disease challenges such as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) and followed by DNA sampling to create the database for breeding values. This information is then used to select the best families to produce the next generation for commercial production. “Genetics is not a silver bullet. It will not make a bad farm good or a bad manager successful.”
Genetic lines can be selected for growth (“speed” lines), resistance (“resistant lines” or a combination of both (“balance” lines). Speed lines show fast growth under the right conditions but tend to be less resistant to environmental or disease challenges. Resistant lines may be more tolerant or resistant to disease or environmental challenges but show low growth. Balance lines provide a combination of good growth and resistance. When selecting genetic lines, it also important to consider the health status. There are four descriptions used in the market: specific pathogen-free (SPF), specific pathogen-resistant (SPR), specific pathogen-tolerant (SPT) and “all pathogen-exposed” (APE). SPF shrimp are only free of specific pathogens and a list of these should be available if requested. Fegan clarified that SPR is only resistant against the specific pathogen(s) for which resistance is selected. SPT means shrimp can be infected but can withstand a higher pathogen load without any health issues. APE is not a real definition of health as it is highly unlikely that the shrimp have been exposed to all pathogens and since exposure does not guarantee tolerance or resistance, it is meaningless from a health standpoint. Currently, the threats to genetics are diseases, rising costs, low prices, and climate change. “With higher competition and low prices, it is important to understand and manage costs when farmers have no control over the selling price ” said Fegan. Environmental triggers such as water quality, overcrowding, biosecurity and health status can affect gene expression in positive and negative ways. Additionally, poor post larvae production practices can negate any genetic improvements. Therefore, the balance line approach aims to achieve the best results from the widest range of environments and culture conditions. Fegan reminded that the days of fast innovation, low costs and high prices have ended. Future areas for improvement are related to the production environment, management, and resource use. Genetic improvement will continue to support improved production efficiency, but it is not enough on its own. “The industry requires data to make decisions
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
18 Hatchery and Nursery to improve production efficiency and maximise profits, but unfortunately few producers collect and use data routinely. Nowadays, we are in the new era of “big data” where information can be collected from a large number of farms and a wide range of conditions. Automation of data collection and analysis also holds promise for better understanding and management of resources for greater profitability.”
Crafting the foundation for efficiency in the first 30 days
farming
Dr Olivier Decamp, R&D and Business Development Health Director at INVE Aquaculture, part of the Benchmark group, said that shrimp production costs vary with farming models and local conditions and currently range between USD2.2 and USD5/kg. For all the main shrimp-producing areas, the production cost is equal to or higher than farmgate prices. An important metric is the failure rate, high in Asia, such as 50% in Vietnam, compared to less than 5-10% in Ecuadorian farms. This impacts the profitability of a farm. At only 8-10%, post larvae represent a small component of production cost but a critical investment for a farm’s profitability. A study of 4,000 crops by Grobest showed that the performance of farms operating under similar stocking densities was impacted by the hatchery supplying the post larvae (Figure 1, Decamp & Azpeitia, 2023). Hatcheries can control inputs from genetics, nutrition, and management systems. Their rearing protocols can be adjusted depending on genetics and nutrition.
Hatchery protocols
The expression of the potential of selected animals requires the correct rearing protocols and inputs. However, Decamp said the strict nursing measures either in the nucleus or broodstock multiplication centre can be compromised when moving broodstock to the hatchery. Without biosecurity procedures and the use of correct
feed, the health and disease-free status of post larvae are impacted. Algae, live food, and water exchange can be a point of entry for potential pathogens. “In the last 20 years, we have been looking at the microorganisms in the hatchery. These are the k-strategists, i.e., slow-growing, and dominant bacteria in a stable system, and r-strategists, harmful and fastgrowing bacteria, such as Vibrios, that are dominant under unstable conditions. Regarding factors impacting the composition of the microbial communities, it is now known that 30-50% is associated firstly with algae, artemia and water inputs. There are new tools to reduce these disruptions. Emphasis should be put on making the system more stable.” The message is to look at the inputs of products and get the best balance between feed and live food. In a fragmented industry such as shrimp farming in Asia, a hatchery needs to deliver post larvae which perform well in the farm and yet be profitable. Best Balance is an approach to shrimp hatchery culture in where the use of high-quality products is adjusted to the local culture conditions. Applying this approach in Thailand resulted in a higher number of harvested post larvae, which, in turn, has a cost-reducing effect on all the other cost contributors (evaluated as the cost per 1,000 post larvae produced). Benefits include a higher EBIT of hatchery operations and a further strengthening of the hatchery’s reputation through the supply of high-quality post larvae. Decamp discussed the economics of using artemia in the hatchery. A Boston Consulting Group report gave data that artemia accounts for 5-30% of the total cost in the hatchery. There is a direct link between the total artemia used and larval biomass at 3.15kg per million artemia. A reduction in the use of artemia leads to a reduction in the larvae’s biomass, which indicates that artemia is still a critical live food. There are commercial hatcheries that
Yield (tonnes/ha/crop)
Figure 1. Yield achieved at Vietnamese farms opera6ng under a range of stocking densi6es (extensive: <50/m ; semi-intensive: 50-100/m ; intensive: 100-200/m ; super-intensive: >200/m2) and stocked with post larvae from four different sources. Number of crops included in the analys >4,000. Source: Decamp & Azpei6a. 2023. Hatchery feed Management 11(2)15-19
Figure 1. Yield achieved at Vietnamese farms operating under a range of stocking densities (extensive: <50/m2; semi-intensive: 502 2 2 100/m2; intensive: 100-200/m2; super-intensive: >200/m2) and stocked with post larvae from four different sources. Number of crops included in the analysis >4,000. Source: Decamp & Azpeitia. 2023. Hatchery Feed Management 11(2)15-19
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Hatchery and Nursery have dramatically reduced the inclusion rate of artemia in their feeding protocol. But the issue is to produce quality post larvae in a cost-efficient way,” said Decamp, while highlighting some back-to-basics approaches. The simple actions to be carried out in the hatchery when using artemia include disinfections, preparations and maintaining conditions.
19
Pole Position!
Artemia feeding is a major source of pathogens in the system. Nutrients released during artemia hatching support the growth of Vibrio that are found in the hatchery environment. The idea is to reduce risk by preventing a bacterial bloom during the hatching and separating the cysts from the hatched artemia, as these cysts act as a substrate for Vibrio’s growth. Another INVE study, using a standard line of genetics, showed the relationship between the age of post larvae and tolerance to Vibro parahaemolyticus loads. This work justifies that larger post larvae are more resistant to pathogens. A compromise must be found between the robustness of the older post larvae and their ease of transport to the pond. The conclusion was that ‘no one hatchery rearing protocol fits all,’ and all procedures must be continuously optimised according to the latest conditions and new technological developments. The transfer of larger and stronger post larvae helps to cope with disease challenges. A well-managed nursery phase, including biosecurity measures and optimal nutrition, will support the grow out performance. A crop’s success depends upon actions taken in the first 30 days of the life of a shrimp.
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Further discussions at the panel included the participation of industry leaders active in shrimp genetics and hatchery management and travelling extensively in Asia; Dr Craig Browdy is Director of Research and Development at Zeigler Bros Inc, USA, and Steve Arce, Director of Technical Services, Kona Bay Shrimp-Hendrix Genetics Aquaculture, USA. It all starts with the hatchery providing high-quality post larvae and then the appropriate management to be successful. Arce said that genetics can only contribute approximately 30% to farm performance, and 70% is influenced by management and the environment. The feeding rate and management systems should fit to the genetics. Genetics-wise, it is difficult to select for specific targets. Arce would like to see some standardisation of systems used and where their application will help geneticists develop the most appropriate strains. Browdy expects the use of data to revolutionise and promote a better understanding of farm performance. He emphasised the importance of taking care of early life stages and differed on the absolute need for artemia in the hatchery for quality larvae production. Artemia usage has been successfully reduced and the successful replacement of artemia has been demonstrated. It is important to understand that larvae need good nutrition, not a particular ingredient or live feed. The driver of profitability in the hatchery is survival, with the most successful hatcheries investing in the efficient use of effective feeding and production technologies. Vibrio outbreaks have been increasing in Asian hatcheries. It is essential to work to reduce Vibrio loads to get the highest survival possible.
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January/February 2023 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific 121223_Leiber Anzeige_Aquaculture Asia Pacific_87,5 mm x 262 mm + 3 mm Beschnitt.indd 1 12.12.23 15:29
20 Hatchery and Nursery
Rizky Darmawan, PT Delta Marine Indonesia (left) with speakers and panellists, from right, Dan Fegan, SyAqua Group, Thailand; Steve Arce, Kona Bay Shrimp-Hendrix Genetics Aquaculture, USA; Dr Olivier Decamp, INVE Aquaculture, Thailand and Dr Craig Browdy, Zeigler Bros Inc, USA.
Sentinel testing
Since India is very much dependent on imported broodstock, how important is sentinel testing, such as the performance of 5-6 genetics lines in varying environments, asked S Santana Krishnan, India. According to Fegan, genetics companies already assess the suitability of their genetics under local conditions before suggesting the preferred genetics for farms in a particular country. Arce believes that sentinel testing, although easier said than done, can be useful when structured properly under standard conditions. But they need to generate large enough data sets to be useful. Arce cautioned that proper methodology and standardisation are critical.
Challenges with pathogens
Decamp said that breeding companies have been making massive progress with new disease challenges. “We look at new solutions for the farmer. Genetics-wise, it is to make sure the farmer receives a homogenous genetic line to stock in ponds. However, I do see that transparency in a fragmented market such as in Asia is difficult. There are reports of post larvae supplied by specific hatcheries performing better despite Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) challenges.” The farmer can choose genetic lines being offered to match the seasonal conditions and the seeding pattern, but Arce emphasised the need for management guidelines focused on biosecurity and nutrition. There will always be pathogens in the system, but with no apparent disease. Unfortunately, sometimes, genetics becomes a method to get away from analysing the effectiveness of management protocols. Clearly, genetics can only offer the potential to reach a target when coupled with the proper management systems. Browdy said that different lines are suitable for different systems such as fast growth lines worked well in achieving growth rates that often exceed 4g per week in recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) in the US, which are free of pathogens. Such lines may not work as well in other culture systems. It was emphasised that pathogens change very often. “SPT and SPR lines selected for tolerance and/or January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
resistance to, for example, white spot virus, will not work in the presence of background pathogens in the pond such as those causing AHPND. Fegan added that it is difficult for genetics companies to work with every pathogen to develop lines. “Neither can we be anticipating all new pathogens as we know that new diseases will always come along.” Arce added that selecting for stronger immune response (rigour/resilience) may be a path forward. Dr Manoj Sharma, India, gave the example of genetics, environment and carrying capacity. The same genetic lines have performed well in new areas, such as Punjab, even with better feed conversion ratio (FCR) and high survival rates at 95%. However, in older areas such as Gujarat, performance was poor. Fegan agreed that this shows that genetics is a tool and not a one-size-fits-all situation. Ultimately, we need to find the best genetics to match the situation; genetics is a tool with potential that can only be exploited with good management. It is important that farmers understand the role of genetics in maximising and realising their own performance potential.
Ablated versus non-ablated broodstock
Browdy said, “Over the past 20 years, as we select each generation, we have been directly or indirectly selecting for fecundity, as the best spawners typically pass their genes on to the next generation. Today, we have females with higher productivity in terms of mating rates and spawn size. Increased fecundity has enabled the use of non-ablated broodstock. Moreover, SPF broodstock are expensive, driving hatcheries to develop strategies to maximise output
Fauzan Bahari, Skretting, Indonesia said that farmers are now asking for genetic lines which can help them against diseases.
Hatchery and Nursery
“What are the differences in performance between ablated and nonablated broodstock during the cycle.” asked William Kramer, Philippines.
in terms of fecundity in the short term and productivity in the long term. Fegan offered information on a University of Stirling disease challenge with WSSV, which showed that post challenge survival was higher in post larvae from nonablated females, showing that ablation could also impact post larvae quality. While there is a move for market acceptance for no ablation in hatcheries due to animal welfare concerns, the panel noted if large markets are not too concerned with ablation, the future uptake of no ablation will be slower.
What would they ask hatcheries?
Moderator Rizky Darmawan challenged the panel to wear the hat of a farmer and ask questions on post larvae quality.
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Browdy: Hatcheries tend to apply feeding protocols that use a cocktail of higher and lesser quality feeds to reduce input costs. However, these strategies are detrimental to the output. Whereas a small rise in survival raises output and profitability. I would ask the hatchery manager, “How good are your post larvae? How much have you invested in them and how can higher survivals and more robust post larvae improve your profitability while helping the farmer?” Decamp: I would query the number of post larvae produced, the quality control using standard methods and how digital tools are used to assess variability in batch quality. I would want to visit the hatchery and get data on my batch of post larvae in production. Arce: I would ask what the hatchery’s failure rate and their farmers’ success rate is. If the reply is hit and miss, as a farmer, I would go with the hatchery with consistent batches and a solid client base, a good level of adaptability of management protocols regarding seasons and genetic lines. Flexibility and being open-minded to evolve are crucial. Fegan: I would also ask the hatchery to provide evidence of the source of their genetics as there have been several cases of “fake” genetics in the market.
See you at TARS 2024 in Bangkok! TARS 2024 returns to the Finfish Aquaculture Industry. Commercial Asian finfish aquaculture has been associated with lower value species such as the tilapia and pangasius while there is no significant marine fish species. This industry has lagged its temperate species peers in the past decade. Why is that and what is holding it back? • Has supply exceeded demand or are we poor in branding, marketing and sustainability? • We seem to be able to supply the high value niche markets with live fish and the mass market with low value frozen fish. Which species do we have for the mid-value export markets? • Are we producing too many marine species such that we lack economies of scale or focus? • Do we have sufficient funding for development of the fry, feed and post-harvest segments or is the ROI uninteresting? • What are the catalysts for investment and innovation and where are the strategies for growth? Can we learn from the salmon and Mediterranean seabass & bream industries? For more information, Email: conference@tarsaquaculture.com Website: www.tarsaquaculture.com Follow us on
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
22 Shrimp Aquaculture
Polyculture of marine shrimp and giant freshwater prawn in Chachoengsao Province The astonishing success in farming with vannamei shrimp By Zuridah Merican and Soraphat Panakorn
Grow-out ponds are stocked with both species and the aeration is provided 24/7.
T
he farming of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii is popular in Thailand, mainly because of the high demand in local markets, such that the country even imports the prawn from India and Bangladesh. Many new farms are being developed in the coastal and inland provinces of Thailand. Recent biotechnological advancements, particularly with the supply of monosex (all male) post larvae is pushing for more intensive farming of prawns in monoculture or polyculture. In Chachoengsao Province, Khun Monchai Yokboonyatikarn runs the 15-year-old Monchai farm - Thailand’s most advanced giant freshwater prawn farm. This large farm of 60ha has 500 ponds and the specialty is the polyculture of vannamei shrimp Penaeus vannamei with giant freshwater prawn. This is no ordinary prawn farm, since there are several techniques adopted from shrimp farming and applied to ponds stocked with both species. The area is inland where the water salinity is 2ppt, pH 8 and alkalinity is more than 100.
buys another 50% of a combination of males and females from another hatchery. It all starts with a nursery phase where the PL14 post larvae are delivered by LST. Stocking is 140,000 PL/rai (1,600m2) and the post larvae are grown to 4g juveniles (size 200-300/kg) over 60 days. During this phase, survival rate is high at 90% for LST PL and around 6070% for post larvae from other sources. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) ranges from 1.0-1.2. Transfer into the growout ponds is carefully programmed in the early morning before 10am, by reducing the water level.
Nursery culture
The all-male fast growing prawn post larvae is from Lukkungsetthi company or LST as described on pages 13-16. As Khun Monchai stocks a combination of male: female at a ratio of 70:30. he January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Monchai Yokboonyatikarn (second left) with Somprasong Natetip, Lukkungsetthi Founder and Director, the supplier of the all-male post blarvae u y s to the farm (middle) and GP2023 participants.
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A nursery pond for the giant freshwater prawn at Monchai Farm, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.
Grow-out
Polyculture with vannamei shrimp starts with the stocking of 7-8 prawn juveniles of 4g per m2 in ponds of one acre and 1.2 to 1.5m deep, depending on the season. Immediately after stocking, the prawns are fed with marine shrimp feeds #3 (usually are 3-3.5mm length). which cost USD1.3/kg. After 20 days, vannamei PL12 are added at a density of 12PL/m2 . The cost of shrimp post larvae is USD12.5/1,000PL while the cost of Macrobrachium post larvae is USD1/80 PL.
Harvest of prawn and shrimp
An interesting feature at this farm is that aerators run 24/7 even though the day can be sunny, and the total stocking is not more than 25 animals/m2. During the post conference tour by participants of GP 2023, Soraphat Panakorn, Novozymes who was at the farm to help explain farm operations said that this is a unique practice at this farm, usually reserved at most for semi-intensive marine shrimp farming. He added that this is the secret to the success of this farm. The farm uses a general Bacillus strain of probiotics on a weekly basis.
Soraphat Panakorn, is Shrimp Culture Specialist, Novozymes (left) with Khun Monchai Yokboonyatikarn and Department of Fisheries Thailand’s Malasri Khumsri, Head of Aquaculture Research and Business Group.
The total grow-out period is 4 months. Harvesting, carried out by the buyer comprised male prawns at size 12/kg (83g) and female prawns at size 20/kg. The farm practices total harvesting and prawns are sold at THB250/kg (USD 7.15) whereas the cost of production was THB100/kg (USD2.86). The harvest size of vannamei shrimp was 40/kg (25g).
Dr Julin Yuan, Deputy Director of Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries holding a recent harvest of giant freshwater prawn at the Monchai Farm, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.
Survival was 80% for the giant prawn stock and for vannamei shrimp, it was 50%. The reason for the lower shrimp survival is because of cannibalism at the final stages by the larger prawns when at low salinity, the moulting shrimp takes a much longer time to harden the shell. Using 38% crude protein feed of size #3, FCR was 1.2 for the total harvest. January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
24 Shrimp Aquaculture
What does it take to produce sustainable Asian shrimp? Navigating the wave of sustainability in shrimp farming by the TARS 2023 Hard Talk panel
The Hard Talk panel at TARS 2023 discussed “What does it take to produce sustainable Asian shrimp?”, from right, Prakan Chiarahkhongman, Charoen Pokphand Group, Thailand; Andreas von Scholten, Grobest Group, Hong Kong; Wan Nadhri Wan Fauzi, Blue Archipelago Berhad, Malaysia; Fred Hsi Chung Kao, SyAqua Group, Thailand; and Lourdes Chingling Tanco, MidaTrade Ventures International Inc, Philippines. Ronnie Tan, USGC, Malaysia (left) led the conversation.
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diverse group of industry leaders shed light on the complexities of producing sustainable Asian shrimp. They offered insights into the challenges and their subjective opinions on shaping the path towards producing sustainable shrimp for global markets. TARS 2023 on Shrimp Aquaculture was held in Bali, Indonesia from August 15-16. Ronnie Tan, Aquaculture Consultant at USGC, began by introducing the panellists, chosen to represent the different segments in the shrimp aquaculture supply chain - farming, genetics and hatchery, feed and aquatic health and processing and marketing.
The panel
Wan Nadhri Wan Fauzi is CEO, Blue Archipelago Berhad, a leading shrimp integrator in Malaysia covering 480 ponds which started operations in 2009. Fred Hsi Chung Kao has recently joined as CEO, SyAqua Group, Thailand, a leading shrimp genetics and hatchery feed company. With 23 years in poultry genetics, Fred contributed some practices and experiences from this sector. Dr Prakan Chiarahkhongman, Vice President, Aquatics Animal Health Care Products Specialist, Solutions Provider (AAHCPS), Charoen Pokphand Group travels widely to communicate conceptual ideas to farmers, customers, January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
clients, partners, industry experts, associations, societies, the government sector and general public. Lourdes Chingling Tanco, Managing Director, MidaTrade Ventures International Inc, Philippines established in 1990, represented the processor and marketing segment. Chingling has been vocal on how industry in the Philippines and Asia should position themselves. Andreas von Scholten recently joined as Group Chief Commercial Officer, Grobest Group Holdings Limited, Hong Kong. Previously as CEO of the Barramundi Group, Andreas developed premium markets for sustainable barramundi Lates calcarifer from Asia.
What does sustainable shrimp farming mean? The fundamental question was: “What do you understand by the term sustainable shrimp?”
For Prakan, sustainable shrimp farming is the need for practices that can be passed down through generations, while underlining the importance of environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. “At CPF, we believe that we can help farmers reduce their environmental impacts. This is what we have done to promote sustainable shrimp in the future. We educate farmers to understand that products that are good and environmentally friendly
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will benefit all, on diversifying products from farm to food and incorporating technology across the shrimp farming process.” The company prioritises technology and innovation to promote sustainable practices such as genomic selection, changing starch: protein ratio in feeds to reduce water pollution and excessive nitrogen output, diversification in shrimp products, holistic management systems and possibly, in the future, producing shrimp with high selenium content.
From farm to marketing
Chingling, adopting a multifaceted perspective and aligning with views of farmer, buyer, and processing plant, contends that sustainability, from a farmer’s viewpoint, entails enduring practices that ensure generations of growers can maintain profitability. She traces the evolution of sustainability definitions, emphasising their entwinement with market dynamics, particularly in the US. “I believe certification begun with US buyers wanting assurances that products were safe and produced responsibly at social and environmental levels without having to travel to origin and see it themselves.” While highlighting the proliferation of certifications, Chingling added, “Some buyers have expressed scepticism on the perfunctory nature of annual farm evaluations”.
Lourdes Chingling Tanco says, “There are also hopeful signs as efforts are being made to make certifications more affordable, potentially paving the way for more farmers to join the sustainable movement.”
Chingling underscores the credibility of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) due to its focus on the main part of the production chain. Within Asia, she expresses reservations about the narrow focus on consumer safety, highlighting broader concerns for environmental impacts and social responsibility. She highlighted the potential increase in animal welfare requirements, suggesting a clash of developed country thinking imposed on Asia. There is a pivotal role of governments in promoting sustainability. The Indian government helps the farms with tests for certification. Vietnam’s government supports industry with environmental assessments such that almost all the processing plants are deemed sustainable. January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
26 Shrimp Aquaculture On the emergence of “fair trade shrimp” as a marketing strategy, Chingling said, “There is a degree of scepticism in evaluating impacts. Here the story is that when a customer buys a bag of this shrimp, a poor farmer in Asia benefits.” (Note: Fair Trade is a global movement that aims to make trade fair by improving prices, working conditions and the deal for farmers and workers in developing countries).
Views from a shrimp integrator
Wan Nadri was pragmatic in his definition of sustainable shrimp production. “The reality prevails with steady financial gains. Sustainability revolves first around earning margins consistently and supporting the local community. The next step is to consider the benefits for the good of the planet. Meaningful environmental initiatives are, realistically, contingent upon financial resources.”
Is there a lack of a compelling sustainability narrative for Asian shrimp?
This was a key question posed for panellists. Is there a sustainability story for Asian shrimp? If there is, how can it be enhanced or, if not, how can one be built?
He noted the need for an effective response and reiterated that perhaps the suggested umbrella organisation could play a crucial role in addressing misinformation and advocating for the whole industry. A question raised was: who should represent the industry and counter such negative narratives? Andreas highlighted that while there were advocates discrediting certain adverse narratives, their voices did not gain much traction. The dialogue unfolded into an exploration of Asia’s strengths, with the panel underscoring the importance of storytelling to highlight the region’s strengths. The Ecuador versus Asia dynamics became a focal point, with Ronnie questioning if there is a need for collaboration to develop shrimp consumption worldwide. Fred believes that there is a lack of advertising positive aspects and it is the industry’s collective responsibility to tell its story. “Every FCR gained, and every ADG improvement is a sustainability metric. We need to advertise these small steps. It is not
In Andreas’ opinion, there is no sustainability story. He asserted three negative points with the industry in Asia, “While there is progress in efforts across the value chain in Asia, the public image remains a significant challenge. Factors contributing to this image problem include the conversion of mangroves to farms, environmental pollution, antibiotic use, and concerns around labour conditions.” Secondly, an absence of a unified branding effort for the Asian shrimp industry stands out as a major hurdle. There are successful examples in Latin America, particularly Ecuador, where associations and collaborative efforts have effectively built a brand representing sustainability. Thirdly, Asia’s industry is notably fragmented which not only complicates outreach efforts but also poses challenges in obtaining broad-scale certifications. These issues require structural changes, and the idea of an umbrella organisation covering all Asian farmers to facilitate industry-wide development was raised. “While I acknowledge the difficulty of an easy fix, there is a growing awareness among farmers about the importance of sustainability,” said Andreas. Wan Nadri believes that Asia does have a sustainability story but unfortunately is not selling the story well. “There is a lot of awareness on social and labour issues and there is no lack of capacity to produce sustainable shrimp. He raised the issue of profitability and the challenge of convincing buyers to pay the fair price for shrimp.” A consensus emerged that the industry was not doing enough to communicate its strengths effectively. Wan Nadri suggested a one-stop centre and a collaboration among industry players to take control rather than depend on a government to government (G2G) approach to pitch the industry’s story.
Countering the negative image
The conversation digressed to the negative impact of documentaries, in particular Netflix’s ‘Seaspiracy’, deemed as “the worst publicity ever for aquaculture”. Andreas acknowledged the difficulty of countering such narratives on social media, emphasising the challenge of gaining a shared voice amid billions of global consumers.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
“Every FCR gained, every ADG improvement is a sustainability metric. We need to advertise these small steps.” - Fred Hsi Chung Kao about comparing Ecuador and Asia or India, it is just that Ecuador is doing a better job for its industry.” Since the industry is in an oversupply situation, does working together mean some farms should reduce production? For Chingling, when linking buyers and sellers, it is imperative to have a convincing story. “Today, young Indonesian shrimp farmers have started to make a difference by telling the story of Indonesian shrimp. They are looking at niche markets such as small size shrimp into the high-end market in the UK. Pricewise, those for the small shrimp have not moved down as much as for large shrimp (USD0.5/kg versus USD2.5/kg). The message is to find the niche.”
Creating a sustainable story
Fred commented, “The need for collective effort is beyond genetics to enhance farm efficiency. Genetics is not a silver bullet. We try to give best genetics to farmers, but this contributes to only about 25% of growth
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GLOBAMAX AQ PRO Innovation in Vibrio Protection for Shrimps “The dilemma is to remain sustainable financially. We need to sell what the market needs, but our tight spot is how can we do it cheaply”. - Wan Nadri Wan Fauzi potential. The rest is nutrition from feeds, environmental conditions etc. Even though we are in a fragmented industry, if all players focus on farm efficiency and improve productivity, they can make a big difference.” When prompted on the challenge of getting diverse players to work together, Fred simplified it to a common motivator - making money. C
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Chingling emphasised the usefulness of certification as a standard operating procedure (SOPs) in entering some markets but brought in the factors: confusion, impracticality, and expense they might cause. Considering the associated costs, the question was consumers would be willing to pay for traceability and certification. CMY
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The response from the producers highlighted a dilemma between financial sustainability and market demands. As a producer, Wan Nadri said that he does not have a choice. “The dilemma is to remain sustainable financially. We need to sell what the market needs, but our tight spot is how can we do it cheaply”. For producers, there is no choice but to align with consumer demands. Andreas, in advocating for sustainable shrimp production that does not excessively burden producers financially, urged industry leaders to focus on profitability through sustainable practices, emphasising the potential for increased viability and profits. “Better performing feeds will deter farmers from using supplements. It is really up to industry leaders to help make farmers to be more profitable.”
Low shrimp survival rates and use of antibiotics
On low survival rates hovering around 55-60%, Fred drew parallels with his experiences in the poultry industry. He highlighted the need for everyone to do a better job at coming up with better environmental, genetic, and nutritional management so the animals can survive longer.
Globamax AQ Pro improves: Survival rate from
43% to 73%*
Harvest weights by 13% in normal conditions Feed conversion efficiency
by 13% in normal conditions *in Vibrio-challenged trial conditions, Orapint 2022
www.globalnutrition.com
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
28 Shrimp Aquaculture Use of antibiotics in Asian shrimp farming is tarnishing industry’s reputation. Prakan highlighted Thailand’s success in reducing antibiotic use and said that all credit goes to the Department of Fisheries (DOF). “DOF has created an electronic traceability system to track shrimp through the supply chain with an electronic Aquatic Purchasing Document (APD). It is a mandatory system for traceability. Farmers need to use this system to buy post larvae and other supplies. It holds information on origin and details of shrimp harvests.” The dialogue then shifted to the viability of self-regulation in countries like Malaysia. Wan Nadri expressed optimism but requires strong political will to shift the focus from quantity-based metrics to quality benchmarks. Weighing in, Chingling proposed an educational approach to regulations such as the example of Thailand.
not necessarily with the extra amount of dollars until they hit a plateau such as density wise.” “I think sustainable practices is a continuous journey, and not to stop or start based on the market conditions. Now, we have skyrocketing ingredient prices and farmers are squeezed with low prices, it is important to innovate and do things sustainably. We are developing zero fishmeal and low fish meal products with the same farm performance. Proper husbandry is the way to be more sustainable and more profitable which is the way we need to go,” said Andreas.
Insights from sustainable barramundi production
Drawing from his experience at Barramundi Asia, Andreas stressed the importance of advanced vaccines, certified feeds, and transparent supply chains. However, he admitted that more investments and incentives were needed for widespread success in the shrimp industry.
Chingling suggested the need to continue exploring avenues like ASC certification to command premiums in the market. She highlighted their influence on ensuring compliance with regulations too. She shared her struggle to get suppliers ASC certified with high costs being an obstacle. “An upcoming ASC feed standard that will be enforced in about 12 months is not helping late entrants into the standard as if prometheus’ mountain just gets steeper and steeper. However, there are also hopeful signs as efforts are made to make certifications more affordable, potentially paving the way for more farmers to join the sustainable movement.”
Andreas von Scholten says, “I think sustainable practices is a continuous journey, and not to stop or to start based on the market conditions.”
Dr Prakan Chiarahkhongman says, “When we talk about investments to the farmer, I tell them that they need to have the 2Ms: monitoring and maintenance.”
Investing towards sustainability
Finally, Ronnie introduced a notion borrowed from the construction industry, suggesting that with low shrimp prices today, it could be an opportune time to invest in sustainability to be ready to take advantage of the upturn at a later date. Fred emphasised the continuous journey of improvement, “At SyAqua, similar to other genetic companies, we are investing to be better year on year. For the small or commercial farmers, it is always striving to be better and
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Prakarn said, “When we talk about investments to the farmer, I tell them that they need to have the 2Ms: monitoring and maintenance. Many farmers allow ponds to deteriorate or pond liners remained unrepaired, and I advise them that when 50% of crop is lost, the cost of production will be 200% and each day the damage is left untended it is USD500/day. Imagine with white spot disease, farmers can lose 10 ponds in the same day.” Wan Nadri said, “I believe in making changes through interventions, in three ways- financial, mechanical and process interventions. Since the latter is free - that is what we need to look at.”
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performance and profitability? The skin, gut and gills play a vital role in protecting the animal against potentially harmful environmental effects. The gut is a complex system of tissues and organs that plays an essential role in all interactions related to several functions, including:
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30 Feed Technology
Field application of a synergistic blend of organic acids to promote growth performance of fish and shrimp By I-Tung Chen, Martin Guerin, Gilberto Hernández, Maria Mèrce Isern-Subich and Waldo G. Nuez-Ortín
I
nfectious pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi threaten production in aquaculture. These threats manifest with various symptoms, from asymptomatic to reduced growth performance and severe infections. Even individuals without symptoms can spread diseases among cultured ponds, slowing growth and increasing production costs. These pathogens often go unnoticed but can further lead to significant outbreaks when multiple contributory factors come together. For example, tilapia lake virus (TiLV) has been reported in Thailand, affecting both healthy adult tilapia and fingerlings, but does not display any clinical signs or cause mortality (Senapin et al., 2018). Similarly, the white spot syndrome virus can remain asymptomatic in shrimp for an extended period but trigger outbreaks under specific stressors such as spawning or environmental changes like temperature and salinity (Lo and Kou, 1998; Hsu et al., 1999). In the past, antimicrobial agents such as disinfectants and antibiotics to control the growth of pathogens have been commonly used during disease outbreaks. However, the disease had already spread by the time farmers noticed the symptoms or mortalities. This has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to the overuse of antibiotics. As regulations become stricter, the use of antibiotics is being reduced. Instead, various strategies, such as improving pond management and reducing pathogen loads through nutritional strategies, are gaining popularity and becoming the preferred methods to prevent disease and improve farm efficiency.
Evidence supporting the benefits of organic acids
Dietary supplementation of organic acids has shown promising potential in enhancing disease resistance and growth performance in aquatic animals. Synergistic effects in disrupting bacterial cell walls and altering cytoplasmic pH, have been shown to effectively inhibit the growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Batovska et al., 2009; Defoirdt et al., 2009). Furthermore, the combinations of organic acids have contributed to energy generation in multiple metabolic pathways, including ATP production (Lim et al., 2015). The beneficial effects of including organic acids in the diet have been documented in several commercially important farmed aquatic species, including tilapia and shrimp (Ng et al., 2009; Nuez-Ortín et al., 2020) Bacti-Nil®Aqua is a blend of organic acids designed specifically for aquatic species. It effectively combats the clinical and subclinical presence of pathogenic bacteria, which in turn promotes growth, particularly in high-density farming environments. Research under controlled infection conditions has demonstrated the efficacy of the health additive in reducing the impact of
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Figure 1. Effects of 0.2% Bacti-Nil®Aqua on average body weight (A), biomass gain (B), and FCR (C) of tilapia after 12 weeks of feeding.
Feed Technology francisellosis and streptococcosis in tilapia (da Silva et al., 2023), or vibriosis in shrimp (Morales-Covarrubias et al., 2022; Eissa et al., 2022). This article presents two studies, one in tilapia and the other in whiteleg shrimp, that further corroborate the efficacy of Bacti-Nil®Aqua to control subclinical infections and promote growth in farm conditions.
Promoting health and growth performance of tilapia
The tilapia experiment conducted in the central region of Thailand, aimed to assess the impact of Bacti-Nil® Aqua on health and feed performance of tilapia in a farm trial setting. The study evaluated a control feed and a treatment 0% fishmeal feed both formulated to contain 32% crude protein and 4% fat. This blend of organic acids was supplemented at 0.2% in the treatment feed. Tilapia were housed in cages within a reservoir pond, with each cage measuring 4 x 3 x 1.2m. A total of four replicates were used for each treatment, with 300 red tilapia fingerlings in each cage. The average initial weight of the fish was 56.5g, and the culture period spanned 12 weeks, involving two daily feedings. At the beginning of the trial, a comprehensive health assessment was conducted, including general necropsy
HEALTH IS AT THE HEART OF OUR CONCERNS
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and pathology examinations, to ensure that the fish were healthy and free of specific pathogens. Regular sampling occurred every four weeks, involving weighing and counting the fish to adjust feeding and monitor mortality and abnormal behaviours. After 12 weeks of feeding, all the fish in the control and supplemented groups remained healthy, with no signs of infection as per the health assessments. Negative results were obtained for all tests conducted for Streptococcus, parasitology, and the TiLV PCR test. The survival rate exceeded 99% at harvest in all groups, which can be attributed to cooler water temperatures (i.e. around 28°C and on average 3°C lower than the previous year) and the subsequent lower risk of streptococcosis. Despite the lack of environmental challenge, the use of Bacti-Nil®Aqua improved growth performance, evidenced by an average increase of 3.5% in body weight, 5% gain in total biomass, and a 3% reduction in the feed conversion rate (Figure 1). A recent study found that tilapia fed diets supplemented with Bacti-Nil®Aqua for 21 days showed a change in the fish’s gut microbiota, reducing harmful bacteria like Vibrio spp. and increasing beneficial probiotics like Cetobacterium and Bacillus spp (da Silva et al., 2023). These are known to produce beneficial metabolites that support fish health and growth.
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January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
32 Feed Technology The functional additive increased feed cost, but this investment was paid off by the biomass gain and economic returns. The return on investment (ROI) calculation indicated that for each USD invested in the additive application, there was a gain of USD3.5. In summary, this farm tilapia trial demonstrated that incorporating a preventive dose of 0.2% Bacti-Nil®Aqua in feed has the potential to positively impact farm profitability even when production conditions are more optimal than expected.
Improving the performance quality of extensive shrimp feeds
A shrimp trial was conducted in a farm located in southerncentral Mexico during May-July. The main objective of the research was to improve the performance of an extensive feed to reach that of a semi-extensive feed under a semiextensive culture system. Three feeds were tested: a semiextensive feed as positive control, and extensive feed as negative control, and an extensive feed supplemented with 0.2% Bacti-Nil®Aqua. The extensive feed was formulated to the same protein and fat levels (35% and 6%, respectively) than those of the semi-extensive feed, but included less fishmeal and lowerquality protein sources. The cost of the extensive feed supplemented with the additive was lower than that of the semi-extensive feed. Healthy juvenile shrimp of approximately 3g were stocked in submerged cages (3 x 3 x 1m) at a density of 25 shrimp/ m2. Feed was provided twice daily, and the feeding ratio was adjusted based on feeding tray consumption and weekly biometric measurements. Results show high survival rates of around 90%. This was attributed to the period during which the trial was conducted; May-July is considered an optimal period in terms of environmental challenges and disease outbreaks in the area. Results also confirmed that 0.2% Bacti-Nil®Aqua improved the performance quality of the extensive feed. In relation to the extensive feed without supplementation, the additive significantly increased survival by 6% and numerically increased biomass gain and conversion efficiency by 7.8% and 8%, respectively (Figure 2). More importantly, biomass gain and conversion efficiency achieved by the additive in the extensive feed were numerically similar to those achieved by the semiextensive feed. Such improvements resulted in an ROI of 18.1, indicating that the supplementation strategy, by improving the performance quality of extensive shrimp feed, can potentially bring a noteworthy positive impact on the profitability of semi-extensive farms.
Conclusion
Organic acid-based additives are commonly used in aquafeeds as a preventive strategy to reduce the impact of bacterial infections. Animals that receive BactiNil®Aqua under an optimal culture environment have been shown to have improved survival and growth rates. This is likely attributed to better control of subclinical levels of pathogens and to a better use of energy resources towards growth promoting mechanisms. These studies validate the efficacy of Bacti-Nil® Aqua as an additive to ensure the performance and profitability of functional feeds. January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Figure 2. Effects of the extensive feed +0.2% Bacti-Nil®Aqua diet on survival (A), biomass gain (B), and FCR (C) on shrimp in comparison to semi-extensive and extensive control diets after 70 days of feeding. The results show significant differences (p<0.05) compared to the control feeds.
Feed Technology References Senapin, S., Shyam, K. U., Meemetta, W., Rattanarojpong, T., Dong, H. T. (2018). Inapparent infection cases of tilapia lake virus (TiLV) in farmed tilapia. Aquaculture, 487, 51-55. Lo, C. F., Kou, G. H. (1998). Virus-associated white spot syndrome of shrimp in Taiwan: a review. Fish Pathology, 33(4), 365-371. https://doi.org/10.3147/jsfp.33.365 Hsu, H. C., Lo, C. F., Lin, S. C., Liu, K. F., Peng, S. E., Chang, Y. S., Chen, L., Liu, W.J. Kou, G. H. (1999). Studies on effective PCR screening strategies for white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) detection in Penaeus monodon brooders. Dis Aquat Organ, 39(1), 13-19. DOI: 10.3354/dao039013 Batovska, D. I., Todorova, T., Tsvetkova, V., Najdenski, H. M. (2009). Antibacterial study of the medium chain fatty acids and their 1-monoglycerides: individual effects and synergistic relationships. Polish Journal of Microbiology, 58(1), 43-47. Defoirdt, T., Boon, N., Sorgeloos, P., Verstraete, W., Bossier, P. (2009). Short-chain fatty acids and poly-β hydroxyalkanoates:(New) Biocontrol agents for a sustainable animal production. Biotechnology Advances, 27(6), 680-685. DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2009.04.026 Lim, C., Lückstädt, C., Webster, C. D., Kesius, P. (2015). Organic acids and their salts. Dietary Nutrients, Additives, and Fish Health, 305-319. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119005568.ch15 Ng, W. K., Koh, C. B., Sudesh, K., Siti-Zahrah, A. (2009). Effects of dietary organic acids on growth, nutrient digestibility and gut microflora of red hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis sp., and subsequent survival during a challenge test with Streptococcus agalactiae. Aquaculture Research, 40(13), 1490-1500. doi/10.1111/j.13652109.2009.02249.x Nuez-Ortín, W. G., Isern-Subich, M. M. Guérin, M. (2020) Organic acids - synergy at work to prevent vibriosis and promote growth in shrimp. Aqua Culture Asia Pacific, May/ June 2020, 45-47. https:// bitly.ws/37bBK da Silva, V. G., Favero, L. M., Mainardi, R. M., Ferrari, N. A., Chideroli, R. T., Di Santis, G. W., de Pádua Pereira, U. (2023). Effect of an organic acid blend in Nile tilapia growth performance, immunity, gut microbiota, and resistance to challenge against francisellosis. Research in Veterinary Science, 159, 214-224. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.04.019 Morales-Covarrubias, M. S., del Carmen Bolan-Mejía, M., GarcíaAguilar, N., Isern-Subich, M. M., Hernández-González, G., NuezOrtín, W. G. (2022). Efficacy of Bacti-Nil®Aqua in experimental infection with Vibrio parahaemolyticus in juvenile of Litopenaeus vannamei. Rev. Cient. Facul. Cienc. Vet., 32, 1-9. https://doi. org/10.52973/rcfcv-e32148 Eissa, E. S. H., El-Kady, A. A., Ismail, M., El-Badawi, A. A., Ahmed, N. H., Barbary, M. I. E. (2022). Effects of dietary supplementation of Bacti-Nil®Aqua on growth performance, feed utilization, immune responses, and body composition of the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 26(4), 1289-1304.
33
I-Tung Chen, PhD, is Project Research Manager Aquaculture Health. Email: i-tung.chen@adisseo.com
Martin Guerin is Regional Technical Manager aquaculture, Asia Pacific, Indian Subcontinent.
Gilberto Hernández is Aquaculture Manager North and Central America
Maria Mercè Isern-Subich, DVM, is Global Product Manager Health Aquaculture.
Waldo G. Nuez-Ortín, DVM, PhD, is Global R&D Manager Aquaculture
All authors are with Adisseo France SAS
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January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
34 Feed Technology
‘You are what you eat’: Enhancing fish gut health for optimal feed performance The consolidation of 16 trials conducted on red seabream demonstrates the potential of marine protein hydrolysates to enhance gut health in marine fish species, leading to a significant improvement in feed assimilation. By Mikael Herault and Kyeong-Jun Lee
a
b
Figure 1. a. Jeju University fish testing facilities, b. Red seabream Pagrus major
T
he benefits of using marine protein hydrolysates (MPH) in aquafeeds have been widely documented. Previously, our team has demonstrated the advantages of incorporating a shrimp and tilapia powder hydrolysates (SPH and TPH, respectively) to restore the performance of olive flounder when fed diets with reduced levels of fish meal (Herault, et al., 2015). Additionally, the health benefits resulting from SPH supplementation in both marine fish and shrimp species were also presented in 2018, with an indication on improved resistance to bacterial diseases (Soller et al., 2018). Both studies utilised cost-effective, optimised dietary formulations that outperformed high fish meal formulations (HFM). After these publications, numerous clinical trials were conducted on red seabream Pagrus major using SPH and TPH for internal reference purposes. Their consolidation provides further insights to better understand their potential for improving feed assimilation and the underlying modes of action.
A meta-analysis of MPH uses in different dietary contexts
Between 2014 and 2019, 16 trials were conducted at Jeju University, South Korea (Figure 1a and 1b) to assess the nutritional and health performance of new dietary solutions in red seabream, with SPH and TPH as our internal benchmarks. Both MPH were incorporated at 5% to facilitate the substitution of approximately 50% of the initial fish meal with plant proteins, primarily soybean protein (Table 1.) depicting typical high fish meal (HFM) and low fish meal (LFM) formulations for red seabream. These designs provided the opportunity to evaluate the benefits of MPH in both dietary fish meal substitution and supplementation (LFM + 5% MPH vs HFM diets and LFM + 5% MPH vs LFM diets, respectively). After 12 to 15 weeks of feeding trials, fish were sampled to collect and measure an extensive array of zootechnical, physiological, and immune parameters. For the purposes of this study, we will specifically focus on the following parameters: specific growth rates (SGR in %/day), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and its mirror parameter; feed January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
efficiency (FE, calculated as 1/FCR); villi length (VL in µm); enterocyte height (EH in µm) and goblet cell density (GC, number per cross section). Simultaneously with these feeding studies, apparent digestibility coefficients for dry matter (ADC DM in %) and crude protein (ADC CP in %) were assessed with fish from the same batch over a period of 3 weeks. The same dietary formulation was used, and chrome oxide (Cr2O3) served as an inert marker for ADC assessments.
SPH: Versatility when substituting fishmeal with plant proteins in carnivorous fish
The red seabream is a marine carnivorous fish species that requires a high level of dietary crude protein, which must be of good nutritional quality and palatable. SGR and FCR indicators, as illustrated by Figures 2a and 2b, clearly confirmed that it was possible to effectively substitute 50% of fish meal with plant proteins as long as 5% MPH was used to compensate for the missing soluble protein, associated bioactive peptides and dietary palatability. It is important to note the differences in observed benefits based on the context and the source of MPH inclusion. When it comes to dietary supplementation, we observed higher SGR and FCR gains compared to fish meal replacement (p-value < 0.05). In less challenging nutritional conditions, both TPH and SPH are equally effective, with approximately 9% higher SGR and 13% lower FCR to be expected compared to the control diet (LFM). Additionally, in the case of dietary application, the use of TPH in the LFM diet successfully restored the growth and feed conversion performances observed in the HFM diet, but dietary SPH outperformed it with a 5% higher SGR and a 10% lower FCR when compared to the LFM diet.
Feed Technology
35
These improvements far exceeded what would typically be Experimental diets expected when replacing only 5.0% of dietary dry matter, Ingredients HFM LFM SPH/TPH or 7.8% of dietary crude protein considering 75% average FM FAQ65 30.00 15.00 15.00 protein content for MPH. This suggests that, in addition SPH/TPH 5.00 to promoting increased growth rates, there are other Soy protein concentrate 15.00 26.40 21.40 physiological changes associated with the use of MPH in Corn gluten meal 12.00 12.00 12.00 diets, which contribute to improved nutrient assimilation Wheat flour 30.00 30.00 30.00 and, consequently, feed efficiency. Fish oil 4.65 6.00 6.00 Soybean oil 4.65 4.20 3.90 MPH: “same same” but different* Mineral / vitamin Mix 2.00 2.00 2.00 The study of fish gut histology will help us to better Starch 1.20 1.20 1.50 understand how the dietary use of MPH enhances dietary Choline chloride 0.50 0.50 0.50 nutrient assimilation. The Spearman correlations (Table indicate strong andfor significant relationships between L-Lysine 0.00 0.50 0.50 fishmeal with plant proteins as long as 5% MPH was2) used to compensate the missing soluble FE and ADCs, with ADCs themselves being correlated L-Methionine 0.00 0.20 0.20 protein, associated bioacQve pepQdes and dietary palatability. and GC. Notably, was soluble found to be highly Taurine fishmeal with plant proteins 0.00 as long 0.50 as 5% 0.50 MPH waswith usedVL to compensate for the VL missing correlated with EH. Di-calcium phosphate 0.00 1.50 1.50 protein, associated bioacQve pepQdes in and dietary palatability. It is important to note the differences observed benefits based on the context and the source of Proximate composition (%, dry matter) While there could behigher additional mechanisms MPH inclusion. When 45.4 it comes to45.7 dietary supplementaQon, we observed SGR and FCR gains of action Crude protein 45.4 It is important to note the differences in observed benefits based on the study context and as themodulating source of not described in this (such compared to fishmeal 16.6 replacement < 0.05). In less challenging nutriQonal condiQons, both intestinal Crude lipid 17.1(p-value 16.8 amino acids and/or peptides transporters like Pept1), MPH inclusion. When it comes to dietary supplementaQon, we observed higher SGR and FCR gains Crude ash 5.76effecQve, 5.00 5.26 TPH and SPH are equally with approximately 9% SGR and 13%that lower to be we canhigher reasonably infer theFCR functionality of MPH compared to fishmeal replacement (p-value < 0.05). In less challenging nutriQonal condiQons, both Gross energy (MJ.kg-1) 21.59 21.65 promotes the development of enterocytes (EH), affecting expected compared to21.78 the control diet (LFM). with approximately higher SGR and 13% lower FCR to beof goblet cells MoistureTPH and SPH are equally 5.37effecQve, 7.25 6.63 the9% size of gut villi (VL) and the density
expected compared to the control diet (LFM).
(GC, see Figure 3a).
AddiQonally, in (dry the case Table 1. Feed formulations basis)of dietary applicaQon, the use of TPH in the LFM diet successfully restored
the growth and feed conversion performances observed inundergoing the HFM diet, but dietary SPH After andiet enzymatic hydrolysis AddiQonally, in the case of dietary applicaQon, the use of TPH in the LFM successfully restoredprocess, a outperformed it with a 5% higher SGR and a 10% lower FCR when compared to the LFM diet. large proportion of the protein amino the growth and feed conversion performances observed in the HFM diet, but dietary SPH acids from MPH is The use of MPH led to higher feed efficiency, and this found in the free form. These free amino acids are known outperformed it with a 5% higher SGR and aADC 10% lower FCR awhen compared to the LFM diet. improvement was in part attributed to enhanced to have direct trophic effect on the enterocyte layer. for dry matter and crude protein. In the context of fish meal replacement, MPH dietary inclusion allowed to See PPT for5% excel graphs maintain the observed ADC values seen in the high-level PPT for FM dietsSee (Figure 2cexcel and graphs 2d). When used as a dietary supplement, it resulted in a significant increase in ADC by 6% (SPH) to 8% (TPH).
Antioxidative and antimicrobial peptides, commonly found in MPH, also play a role in maintaining gut cell integrity and their defense against stressors such as anti-nutritional factors in plant protein or disruptions in gut microbiota.
Figure 2. Normalised feed assimilation and ADC gains over controls (LFM + 5% MPH vs HFM diet for FM replacement topic and LFM Normalised feed assimilaQon and ADC gains (LFM + 5%ratio MPH vs HFM diet fordigestibility + 5% MPHFigure vs LFM2.diet for the supplementation one) a. Specific growthover rate,controls b. Feed conversion (FCR), c. Apparent coefficients for dry matter, ADC LFM for crude FM(ADC) replacement topicd. and + 5%protein. MPH vs LFM diet for the supplementaQon one) a. Specific
Figure 2. Normalised feed assimilaQon and ADC gains over controls (LFM + 5% MPH vs HFM diet for growth rate, b. Feed conversion raQo (FCR), c. Apparent digesQbility coefficients (ADC) for dry maeer, FM replacement topic and LFM + 5% MPH vs LFM diet for the supplementaQon one) a. Specific January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific d. ADC for crude protein. growth rate, b. Feed conversion raQo (FCR), c. Apparent digesQbility coefficients (ADC) for dry maeer,
36 Feed Technology FE (1/FCR) FE (1/FCR)
ADCDM
ADCCP
VL
EH
GC
0.7055 p < 0.05
0.7059 p < 0.01
0.3588 p > 0.10
0.1647 p > 0.10
0.5618 p < 0.05
Table 2. Spearman correlation coefficients between fish gut morphometrics, FE and ADCs for DM and CP (n=16 individuals, p-values are 0.7055 0.8374 0.6220 0.4154 0.5165 ADCDM p < 0.05 p < 0.01 p < 0.05 p > 0.10 p < 0.10 mentioned below the coefficients). FE= feed efficiency, VL= villi length; EH = enterocyte 0.7059 0.8374 0.6471 0.3971 0.5618 height; GC = goblet cell density; ADCDM = ADCCP < 0.01AnQoxidaQve p < 0.01 p < 0.05 p > 0.10 pcommonly < 0.05 apparent coefficients for dry matter; enterocyteplayer. and anQmicrobial pepQdes, founddigestibility in MPH, also play a role ADCCP = apparent digestibility coefficients for 0.3588 0.6220 0.6471 0.8500 0.1735 VLin maintaining gut cell integrity and their defense against stressors such as anQ-nutriQonal factors in p > 0.10 p < 0.05 p < 0.05 p < 0.001 p > 0.10 crude protein.
plant protein or disrupQons gut microbiota. 0.1647 0.4154 in 0.3971 0.8500
EH
p > 0.10
p > 0.10
p > 0.10
0.0706 p > 0.1
p < 0.001
This is how 0.5618 dietary changes the molecular (the change of MPH naQve protein form and 0.5165 at 0.5618 0.1735level0.0706 p < 0.05 p < significantly 0.10 p < 0.05 p > 0.10 p >at 0.10 resulQng funcQonality) impact animals the cellular and Qssue levels, with bigger enterocytes and gut villi. Numerous references demonstrate that the size and shape of vertebrate gut This how dietary changes at theand molecular level when using different MPH; SPH demonstrates higher villiismodulate nutrient absorpQon feed assimilaQon. GC
(the change of MPH native protein form and resulting values for villi length (VL), while TPH exhibits higher functionality) significantly impact animals at the cellular values for goblet cell densities (GC, as shown in Figure Intissue parallel, goblet cells play enterocytes an importantand role byvilli. secreQng protecQve mucus, reducing the risks of gut and levels, with bigger gut 3b, 3c and 3d). These differences may partially explain Numerous references demonstrate that the size and why inflammaQon or infecQon, while increasing the nutrient bioavailability. Enhanced fish gut physiology SPH was found to be more effective than TPH with shape of vertebrate gut villi modulate nutrient absorption regards to fish meal replacement. ulQmately leads to improved ADC for both macro and micro-nutrients. It is important to note that the and feed assimilation.
modes of acQon vary when using different MPH; SPH demonstrates higher values for villi length (VL),
Conclusion and perspectives
In while parallel, goblet cells an for important role by TPH exhibits higherplay values goblet cell densiQes (GC, as shownhydrolysates, in Figure 3b,as 3cfunctional and 3d). These Marine protein ingredients, secreting protective mucus, reducing the risks of gut are widely recognised for their palatability differences may parQally explain why SPH was found to be more effecQve than TPH with regards to and high inflammation or infection, while increasing the nutrient digestibility. However, there is a limited number of bioavailability. Enhanced fish gut physiology ultimately fishmeal replacement. references indicating their potential to enhance fish gut leads to improved ADC for both macro and micro-nutrients. health and subsequent nutrient assimilation. Through It is important to note that the modes of action vary
a.
d. GC gain (%) compared to controls
c. EH gain (%) compared to controls 131,9% 100%
HFM
107,3%
97,5%
LFM + 5% SPH LFM + 5% TPH
50% FM replacement
107,3%
100%
LFM
128,3%
LFM + 5% SPH LFM + 5% TPH
Supplementation
100%
HFM
104,9%
105,3%
LFM + 5% SPH LFM + 5% TPH
50% FM replacement
114,3% 100%
LFM
LFM + 5% SPH LFM + 5% TPH
Supplementation
Figure 3. 3. Normalised red red seabream gut morphometric gains over controls diet (HFM for FMdiet replacement Figure Normalised seabream gut morphometric gains over (HFM controls for FM and LFM diet for supplementation) a. microscopic details; b. VL gain, c. EH gain and d. GC gain.
replacement and LFM diet for supplementaQon ) a. microscopic details; b. VL gain, c. EH gain and d. GC gain.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Feed Technology
37
the consolidation of data from several trials conducted on red seabream with dietary MPH, we have brought to the forefront this potential and have elucidated some of the underlying modes of actions. always Our findings illustrate the practical applications of dietary inspiring more … MPH, showcasing the effective reduction of fish meal usage in marine fish species, and offering advantages both in terms of feed efficiency and growth performance. Marine protein hydrolysates, as funcQonal ingredients, These benefits become more pronounced when opting are widely recognised for their palatability and high digesQbility. However, there is a limited number of references indicaQng their potenQal to for MPH dietary supplementation.
enhance fish gut health and subsequent nutrient assimilaQon. Through the consolidaQon of data from
Our analysis also showed that the raw material origin several trials conducted on red seabream with dietary MPH, we have brought to the forefront this of MPH affected the functional benefits of the finished potenQal and have elucidated some of the underlying product. The hydrolysis of protein coming from fish or modes of acQons. shrimp can lead to the production of different peptide profiles and AA peptides carrying various Our findings illustrate thesequences pracQcal applicaQons of dietary MPH, showcasing the effecQve reducQon of biological activities and thus affecting different tissues fish meal (FM) usage in marine fish species, and offering advantages both in terms of feed efficiency and functions.
and growth performance. These benefits become more pronounced when opQng for MPH dietary
Taking a holistic approach to MPH dietary supplementation supplementaQon. to enhance feed and nutrient assimilation can lead to additional advantages, such as improved water quality and Our analysis also showed that the raw material origin of MPH affected the funcQonal benefits of the reduced environmental eutrophication. Simultaneously, finishedthe product. The hydrolysis of protein coming from fish or shrimp can lead to the producQon of besides decreased environmental impact on feed production (life cycle analysis), the industry can anticipate different pepQde profiles and AA pepQdes sequences carrying various biological acQviQes and thus enhanced Fish In Fish Out (FIFO) ratios when using affecQng different Qssues and funcQons. MPH for reducing fish meal in diets.
Takingresearch a holisQcconcentrating approach to MPH supplementaQon to enhance feed and nutrient assimilaQon Further on thedietary influence of MPH oncan thelead assimilation of crude fat in marine fish species, to addiQonal advantages, such as improved water quality and reduced environmental ideally with detailed apparent digestibility coefficients eutrophicaQon. Simultaneously, besides the decreased (ADC) for critical fatty acid components (PUFAs), holds environmental impact on feed producQon (life cycle analysis), the industry can anQcipate enhanced promise in reducing the reliance fish meals and oils in Fish In Fish Out (FIFO) raQos when using MPH current dietaryFM formulations. for reducing in diets.
ActiShrimp, functional hydrolysate Further research concentraQng on the influence of MPH on the assimilaQon of crude fat in marine forfor aquafeed fish species, ideally with detailed apparent digesQbility coefficients (ADC) criQcal faey acid
* Note: The expression ‘same same but different’ is an informal phrase of Asian origin that signifies two things are similar in many ways, but there are still notable or subtle differences between them. It is used here to illustrate the similarities and differences revealed components (PUFAs), holds promise in reducing the reliance on fishmeals and oils in current dietary in the effects of MPH.”
formulaQons.
Authors notes: SPH and TPH refer to shrimp powder and tilapia powder hydrolysates which are known in the * Note: The expression 'same same but different' is an informal phrase of Asian origin that signifies feed market as Actishrimp and Actifish, respectively
two things are similar in many ways, but there are s-ll notable or subtle differences between them.
References It is used here to illustrate the similari-es and differences revealed in the effects of MPH." Mikael Herault, Vincent Fournier, Sanaz Khosravi and KyeongJun Lee, 2015. Reduction of super prime fish meal in diets for Authors notes: SPH and TPH refer to shrimp powder and tilapia powder hydrolysates which are olive flounder with graded levels of functional hydrolysates. known in the market as Actishrimp and Actifish, respectively Aqua Culture Asiafeed Pacific, July/August 2015, p39-43. Fabio Soller, Paul Seguin and Vincent Fournier. 2018. Functional protein hydrolysates: supporting high and consistent performance of novel aquafeeds. Aqua Culture Asia Pacific, July/August 2018, p36-40. https://bitly.ws/39PcT Authors
Reach optimum feed intake
Improve resistance to stress and pathogens Better yield
Mikael Herault is R&D Performance Measurement Manager at Symrise Aqua Feed. Dr Kyeong-Jun Lee is professor in the Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju NaQonal University, Email: mikael.herault@symrise.com.
Mikael Herault isSouth R&D Performance Manager at Symrise Aqua Feed. Email: Korea. Email:Measurement kjlee@jejunu.ac.kr aquafeed.symrise.com Dr Kyeong-Jun Lee is professor in the Department of Marine mikael.herault@symrise.com. Life Sciences, Jeju National University, South Korea. References available upon request Email: kjlee@jejunu.ac.kr
Mikael Herault, Vincent Fournier, Sanaz Khosravi and Kyeong-Jun Lee, 2015. ReducQon of super prime fish meal in diets for olive flounder with graded levels of funcQonal2024 hydrolysates. Aqua January/February AQUA Culture AsiaCulture Pacific Asia Pacific, July/August 2015, p39-43.
38 Feed Technology
The power of nutrition for the industry in Asia Nutrients, ingredients, postbiotics and back to basics at dsm-firmenich’s 28th Aqua Conference Evolu&on Asia Pacific. of ingredient assessment: Shi6ing priori&es in the 21st
century etting the scene for an audience of 150, comprising Revolving around the “Power of Nutrition”, this one-day
S
mainly of feed millers, aquaculture producers and conference, held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 21, 2023, covered industry developments, from shifting industry around Asia, dsm-firmenich’s Dr Bre;leaders Glencross, Technical Director IFFOAchyuth (Marine Ingredients OrganisaCon) and Honorary Iyengar, Regional Marketing Director, Nutritional Products priorities in ingredient assessments, quality shrimp feed Professor at the SCrling, Scotland, approached byon looking at diet and antiproductionthe andabove, back tofirst basics carbohydrates APAC, analysed theUniversity competitive of forces shaping the shrimp nutritional factors and gut specificaCons health with postbiotics. formulaCons. and then to design in terms of industry in Asia. This requires knowing the requirements
feed composiCon. “We then marry that up with an ingredient database. In a feed formulaCon
“Traditionally, it has been the power of suppliers, but in the Shrimp protease matrix calculator interface, we manage twohas setshappened. of informaCon: nutrients Thereand wasingredients.” a launch for the shrimp protease matrix last three years, an imbalance It is now the power of buyers. While major suppliers, Ecuador, India, calculator. In introducing this innovation, Chiow Yen Liew, Southeast Asia, and China, bring in 3.5 million tonnes, Regional Marketing Aqua, asked the audience to visualise Important too are the different types of constraints, such as raw material tolerances, processing demand from North America, Europe, China, and Japan is the environmental benefits when there is a cleaving of parameters, quality andthere prices. “Fundamentally, art and of science of the bonds formulaCon protein andthe hydrolysis the peptide with the only at 3 million tonnes.expectaCons Within suppliers, is intense protease Ronozyme® ProAct, which increases protein competition, the CAGR of 25% in Latin America and shift of process is how can I deliver the best feed at the least risk.” exports to China markets, from 100% to 80%, is significant digestion across a range of feed ingredients and reduces from a strategic perspective,” said Iyengar, adding that new adverse effects of anti-nutritional factors, thereby reducing entrants bring new challenges for Asia’s top producers - feed costs. Precision nutriAon approach India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Diet formulaCons are no longer based on ingredientsShe butadded on nutrients. Glencross illustrated this with that the matrix value allows the quantification a modern formulaCon the Asian seabass 1).the In precision specificaCons change contributionnutriCon, from protein digestibility. The benefits The message was that thefor industry cannot control (Figure much of include the least can cost be and innovative but can act onstages what itand can pellet and utilise for different sizestechnology and eightbefore different specificaCons applied over multi-objective the being caught unaware in this current VUCA (volatility, formulations, which provide efficient utilisation, digestion, producCon cycle of this fish (from first feeding to 5kg harvest size). Secondly, digesCble levels are uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) environment. “The absorption, and assimilation of protein. The reduction of fixed but crudeisorusing grossexpanders levels vary. Thirdly, as the changes and there a different feed nitrogensize in feed waste is crucial foristhe environment. This poultry industry more and more, as animal’s is also part of the quality control process for raw materials. well thethe power of enzymes in their operations better size as and protein: energy dynamics willfor also change. digestibility. With post-pelleting liquid applications, dsmfirmenich is testing out pilot-scale applications to match This user-friendly platform allows for inputs on raw material information, such to asunderstand digestibilitythe data for the operations inused, the feed before commercial “Forpelleting every ingredient wemill need to have digesCbility data. Then we need adoption. There is also SustellTM, the data platform to essential amino acids (EAAs) and non-essential amino requirements for all (amino acids and fa`y acids) and not just a generalisaCon of protein and accurately measure the environmental footprint of farming acids digestibility (NEAAs). It then tabulates values energy.” and feed production. This is the differentiation tool for your automatically based on the dietary protein content operations, which helps to realise your targets such as of different diets and processing conditions. Some examples of shrimp protease matrix values were 30-31% carbon and footprint reduction.” protein digestibility improvements for soybean meal and 26% for full-fat soybean meal.
Figure1. 1. Using this Glencross slide, Glencross demonstrated thatismodern nutriCon is based on nutrients not et Figure Using this slide, demonstrated that modern nutrition based on nutrients not ingredients. Derived from: Glencross al. (2013). Lates calcarifer nutrition and feeding practices. In Biology and culture of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer. ingredients. Derived from: Glencross et al. (2013). Lates calcarifer nutriCon and feeding pracCces.
Biology and culture of Culture Asian Asia seabass January/February 2024 AQUA PacificLates calcarifer, 178-228.
Feed Technology
39
Understanding the requirements Brett Glencross says, “Growth studies are never the starting point in any ingredient evaluation. You might get differences, but then separating out feed intake from nutrient supply effects becomes difficult.”
Evolution of ingredient assessment: Shifting priorities in the 21st century
Dr Brett Glencross, Technical Director IFFO (Marine Ingredients Organisation) and Honorary Professor at the University of Stirling, Scotland, approached the above, first by looking at diet formulations. This requires knowing the requirements and then to design specifications in terms of feed composition. “We then marry that up with an ingredient database. In a feed formulation interface, we manage two sets of information: nutrients and ingredients.” Important too are the different types of constraints, such as raw material tolerances, processing parameters, quality expectations and prices. “Fundamentally, the art and science of the formulation process is how can I deliver the best feed at the least risk.”
Precision nutrition approach
Diet formulations are no longer based on ingredients but on nutrients. Glencross illustrated this with a modern formulation for the Asian seabass (Figure 1). In precision nutrition, specifications change for different stages and pellet sizes and eight different specifications can be applied over the production cycle of this fish (from first feeding to 5kg harvest size). Secondly, digestible levels are fixed but crude or gross levels vary. Thirdly, as the animal’s size changes and there is a different feed size and the protein: energy dynamics will also change. “For every ingredient used, we need to have digestibility data. Then we need to understand the requirements for all (amino acids and fatty acids) and not just a generalisation of protein and energy.”
It is essential to understand the requirements for all nutrients. This is a pandora’s box, as there are many ways we can consider this. Glencross discussed the classic requirement curve of response criteria (growth or feed efficiency) for maintenance to adequate supply. He stressed that requirements will never be a constant and will always change with age, size, and condition. Back to the Asian seabass model, Glencross quoted an example of digestible protein demand for a 1000g fish at 19g/MJ DE. When translating this into the specification, Glencross cautioned against using a “one size fits all” across the whole life cycle. “This means that you will lose growth in the early stage from inadequate nutrient supply and at the end, cost the business money, by over supplying nutrients which are wasted while damaging the environment. A degree of conservatism is usually applied since it is less risky to up the specifications than to undercut them.”
Managing ingredients
While precision nutrition is based on nutrients, critically it is ingredients that supply nutrients, and how we manage them is a hallmark of precision nutrition. By using an ingredient to their best capabilities, we can optimise its value and minimise its risks. There are lots of ingredients used in aquafeeds and Glencross discussed ways to evaluate them and then interpret the results. Before 2000, with AquafeedsV1, the ingredient base was limited, and the evaluation process depended on information from suppliers. “As aquaculture grew, formulation became much clearer, but the need was to control cost. With Aquafeeds V3, the focus has moved to what is most sustainable for the business and planet.” Glencross discussed the situation with marine feed ingredients. Fishmeal supply is constant at 5 million tonnes/year and fish oil is at 1 million tonnes. Today, with 55 million tonnes of aquafeeds, 80% of fish meal and 65% of fish oil are used in aquafeeds. In the 1990s, it was only around 20% of fish meal. Globally fish meal use has increased from about 2.9 million tonnes in 2000 to 3.9 million tonnes in 2020. Fish oil use by aquaculture on the other hand has decreased from 836,000 tonnes in 2000 to 791,000 tonnes in 2020. All ingredients have SWOT’s - strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. There is no such thing as the perfect ingredient, said Glencross. He added that all ingredients have risks and formulators need to be aware of the ramifications and impact they create on formulations. The dsm-firmenich team, Benedict Standen, Head, Aqua Marketing Global (left), Mongkol Kaewsutas, Precision Service, GAPAC (third right); Chiow Yen Liew (second right) and Dr Rutchanee. Chotikachinda, Technical Expert, GAPAC, with speakers, from second left, Dr Dean M Akiyama; Dr Philippe Tacon, Product Manager - Microbials -dsm-firmenich; Dr Artur Rombenso, Senior Research Scientist and Animal Nutrition Team Leader, CSIRO; Dr Brett Glencross and Dr Trond M. Kortner, Associate Professor, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Tacon presented on postbiotics in aquaculture; Kortner on antinutrients and adventitious toxins in fish feeds and Rombenso on carbohydrates. A report on these presentations will be published in the next issue.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
40 Feed Technology •
Preecha Bangnokkhwaek, Thai Union Feedmill PCL, Thailand (middle) with Anuj Tyagi (left) and Korupu Venkata Raju (right), Avanti Feeds, India.
There are ingredients that are easier to work with than others. “It is essential to understand the negatives and positives of any ingredient you use as this will increase adaptability and flexibility and what we can and cannot do with our formulations. Importantly, the methodology that we choose to assess an ingredient affects our understanding of a particular ingredient. It is critical to understand, reevaluate your process and be very objective about it.”
Ingredient assessment
There is a logical hierarchy to assess an ingredient. There is a large influence of the feed intake parameter, followed by digestibility and their absorption. The greatest variability is at the start, said Glencross, although typically most will look at the end point such as growth. His 4-step approach to methodology to assess ingredients is given in Figure 2. •
•
•
The minimum data for characterisation of the ingredient is proximate analysis, amino acids, and fatty acids. The gold standard is chemical analysis while complete technical data sheets are useful. Palatability is the way an animal interacts with its feed and is indicative of the nature of the attractiveness of a feed. There is a “window of sensitivity” for feed intake which in during a period of 10 days (day 4 to day 14 after feed introduction), the animal can signal feed intake trends and allowing the formulator to decide on the ingredient’s utility quite rapidly. Too short and the risk escalates. Too long and it all becomes lost in the noise of other feed intake drivers. On quantitative ingredient digestibility, an example of research comparing various sources of marine meals against SPC, SPI and corn gluten is Glencross & Bachis (2021) in Aquafeed 13, 21-25). On digestibility across species, the message is that sometimes there is good commonality, but not always. Trophic levels and ecological niches are good indicators of similarity in digestibility.
Growth can be used as a measure of ingredient utilisation but there is no right way, but lots of wrong ways. Some strategies are better for answering certain questions.
“The key is to be clear on the question being tested and then choose the most appropriate strategy to answer the question. As a general rule, when diets are formulated on an equivalent digestible nutrient/energy basis, then growth correlates to feed intake. However, growth studies are never the starting point in any ingredient evaluation. You might get differences, but then separating out feed intake from nutrient supply effects becomes difficult”.
Into the future ingredients
Glencross sees an increasing trend in ingredient diversity. In the fish meal market, different species, pricing, biogenic amine levels as well as how the carbon footprint story is positioning things as becoming increasingly important. Whether a product is certified and made at low or high temperatures, they give industry choices. As an example, TASA, from Peru has eight fish meal products: a clear diversification strategy for different applications in different markets. The ability to use circular products is increasing. In 2022, by products from fisheries and aquaculture totalled 2.483 million tonnes (38% of global supply). That included 680,000 tonnes of fish oil and 1.8 million tonnes of fish meal, of which 25% and 27% of total supply came from fisheries by-products, respectively. While by products from aquaculture comprised 28% of fish oil and 7% of fish meal supply. As we increasingly rely on plant protein meals, hydrolysates are also becoming increasingly important ingredients. These ingredients give the flexibility to control palatability in a way that few other ingredients can. Finally, Glencross said, “The importance of sustainability will grow and become more objective. To better manage things, we need to measure them better. Putting the sustainability story into a quantitative metric is where we can make choices by comparing values against each other. Using lifecyle assessment (LCA) information as a formulation parameter will provide some clear benefits for the future.”
Consistent quality shrimp feed production
Dr Dean M. Akiyama, Aquaculture Advisor, Indonesia, stressed that focusing on feed consistency is all about minimising risks. “The shrimp aquaculture industry is changing, while always encountering more constraints and challenges, it is always adapting. Despite the problems
Figure 2. The 4-step approach to methodology to assess ingredients.
Figure 2. The 4-step approach to methodology to assess ingredients. Source: Bre` Glencross (2023). January/February 2024 AQUA Culture ShiWing Asia Pacific The evoluCon of ingredient assessment: prioriCes in the 21st century. Presented at dsmfirmenich Aqua Conference, 21 November 2023, Bangkok, Thailand.
Feed Technology
Dean M. Akiyama says, “Today, we strive to improve technology to reduce the cost of production but need to constantly up efficiencies.”
faced by the shrimp industry, such as today with low prices, we continue growing by 5-8% yearly; always meeting production goals is getting harder,” said Akiyama, while linking aspects of shrimp feed quality to farm management and water quality.
Variance component analysis
This looks at how different components (farm management, post larvae and feed quality) affect pond production in outdoor ponds. Biomass is critical as it determines profitability. Akiyama gave the results of the VCA conducted over three years covering 32,000 ponds in integrated operations from 2011-2014 (Table 1). Variance Component
Biomass (g)
MBW (g)
SR (%)
FCR
15 19 66
22 23 55
16 24 60
10 15 75
Feed Post larvae quality Pond management
MBW = mean body weight; SR = survival rate and FCR = feed conversion rate.
Table 1. Results for variation component analyses for harvest shrimp production performance. “The VCA gave some interesting results. The influence of feed quality on biomass was 15%, post larvae quality was 19% and pond management was 66%. Interestingly, pond management had a 75% influence on FCR. It was not feed quality but, more importantly, when, and how much to feed. In a fully integrated system, when post larvae were below specification, they were flushed out, and when feed was below specification, it was rejected. Our feed standard and consistency was better than in the open market.”
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“Today, across producers, nutritional standards are consistent and feed quality is comparable. Market leadership is based on reputation, technical services, and credit. Any differences in feed performance come from several biological and farm technology constraints which cannot be controlled in outdoor ponds. Each degree of change in temperature affects growth by 8-10%; a lower salinity from 25ppt reduces nutrient digestibility and availability, and dissolved oxygen lower than 6mg/L lowers shrimp appetite. Three factors affect feed quality consistency: quality of feed ingredients at 60%, feed processing quality at 30% and nutrition based on formulation at 10%. On raw material assessments, Akiyama listed some guidelines and said that raw materials with low-quality specifications should be rejected, and that consistent quality of all raw materials will result in more consistent quality shrimp feeds. With regards to shrimp feed nutrition, shrimp feeds need to have consistent palatability. The emphasis was on establishing the palatability enhancer as a minimum nutrient restriction for formulations. The most common aquafeed palatability enhancers are fish meal, other marine animal meals and hydrolysates.
Feed and water quality
Feed influences pond wastes. A 40% protein feed has 25% more nitrogen than a 30% protein feed (Table 2). Phosphorus from fish meal has low availability compared to MCP. To improve water quality, there are three options: reduce feed rate (which means reductions in nitrogen), phosphorous inputs and increase aeration and water exchange. Probiotics are helpful, but their results are inconsistent. Akiyama gave an example of some findings at the farm where a 30% crude protein feed performed better than a feed with 40% CP. This is a testament to the effects of water quality measured in terms of transparency. With 40% protein feed, the water transparency went down to 20cm, and it was difficult to manage the water quality. This demonstrated that shrimp grew better because of water quality, not nutrients. His message was, “Today, we strive to improve technology to reduce the cost of production but need to constantly up efficiencies.”
Akiyama added that specifications for current outdoor ponds have not changed significantly in over 20 years. “The same ponds are being used to produce shrimp with modifications in production technology used. I believe that farm infrastructure and management are the major limitations to future production consistency.”
The importance of consistency in feed quality
In his opinion, current shrimp feed quality standards exceed the production facilities (outdoor ponds) and farmer capability. While 10-20 years ago, feed quality made a difference in farm production since there was a lot of variability. Protein in feed
FCR
40% 35% 30%
1.5 1.5 1.5
Charing the Q&A panel, Benedict Standen (right) with speakers, from left, Dean M Akiyama, Trond M. Kortner and Brett Glencross.
Feed nitrogen (g)
Phosphorus (g)
Shrimp nitrogen (g)
Phosphorus (g)
Nitrogen loss to environment (g)
86 76 65
20 20 20
22 22 22
4 4 4
66 56 45
Table 2. Variation in nitrogen and phosphorus in feeds with different % CP at a constant FCR.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
42 Interview
Revolutionising global shrimp aquaculture with precision diagnostics Melony Sellars discusses reshaping health and disease diagnostics in shrimp farming to reduce risks seized the opportunity to transition from research to entrepreneurship. Genics was born in late 2018, driven by the mission to deliver a sensitive, affordable, and globally accessible super-plex PCR for quantitative pathogen detection. “Personally, I was ready for a change and offered to start a company to get our biotech solution to global markets to improve shrimp production and food security.”
A blessing in disguise amidst the pandemic In late 2019, just as Genics began to market its multiple pathogen detection services (MultiPath™), the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the traction towards setting up local laboratories for two years. This was on the back of already successfully supporting 10-15% improvements in production in ponds in Ecuador.
Dr Melony Sellars, Founder and CEO of Genics Pty Ltd has 25+ years of experience in aquaculture, with an in-depth background in shrimp aquaculture breeding, health, biosecurity and high-density production.
I
n an era defined by the intersection of biotechnology and aquaculture, Genics reshapes the narrative of disease diagnostics in shrimp farming. In an e-interview with Dr Melony Sellars, the Founder and CEO of Genics Pty Ltd, we unravel the story of innovation, strategic pivots, and the competitive edge that sets the company apart.
From research to entrepreneurship
Sellars takes us on a retrospective journey, tracing the origins of Genics to her tenure at Australia’s Federal Research Agency, CSIRO. Fifteen years ago, she was running breeding programs for shrimp producers; researching ways for reproductive sterility in Penaeus monodon and Litopenaeus vannamei and implementing shrimp gene regulation using RNAi. With the inherent problem of multiple pathogens, the cost of running several real-time PCR tests (required to realise the potential of their breeding programs) was prohibitive. This spurred the concept of a revolutionary solution, a super-plex PCR. “I wondered if I could solve the multiplexing challenge to super-plex PCR. This would still be highly sensitive but reduce the cost to be affordable for farmers. They could also take a statistically significant sample size to make data even more powerful. Initial pilot studies were very promising, but research was stopped due to budget limitations at the time,” said Sellars. Fast forward to 2016, and Australia confronted a devastating white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) outbreak, propelling Sellars and her team to revisit their earlier work on quantitative pathogen detection. Sellars January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
However, Sellars recounts a strategic pivot that turned an adversity into advantage. A collaboration with DHL allowed it to streamline a delivery service, a swift sample collection from farms no matter where farms are located and a timely 3–4 day delivery to their accredited laboratory. The turnaround is 4-6 days, no matter how small or large a submission. “When you think that this technology is detecting pathogens 2-4 weeks before animals are sick (when a point of care (POC) or industry standard PCR is run), we are keeping farmers ahead of their risks with trustworthy data to make smart management choices that genuinely change the outcome of their crop. Today, nothing makes our team prouder than seeing and hearing from our happy clients. Customers using our services continue to stay with us for every crop.”
A distinctive competitive edge
On the notion of a crowded marketplace, Sellars asserts that Genics stands with its technology and industry experience as well as with accreditation. The core differentiator lies in its ability to achieve true early pathogen detection of multiple pathogens simultaneously, in a highly sensitive two to six copies per PCR, specific and quantitative assay at around the USD50 mark. On copy-cat marketing prevalent in the industry, Sellars cautioned on often incorrect advice “At the end of the day, farmers need the best in class accurate and quality data that they can use to mitigate risk from pathogens. This is our commitment which extends across grow-out farms, hatcheries, and breeding programs. When combined with the comprehensive suite of health, biosecurity, and breeding solutions, no one gets close to what our team of experts delivers for our customers.”
Transformative strides in shrimp aquaculture
Sellars unveils a series of achievements over recent years and announced that the R&D and commercialisation team
Interview has developed Shrimp MultiPath2.0, a diagnostic tool featuring a spectrum of 18 pathogens. Set for commercial release in January 2024, this innovation promises to revolutionise disease detection in the global shrimp industry. Beyond diagnostics, the venture into the digital realm, has led the introduction of the MyGenics portal, a year ago. This secure online platform facilitates safe sample submission, data tracking, and customer interaction. “The Digital Solutions Team has taken a leap into the future by developing the world’s first shrimp Artificial Intelligence (AI), to capture shrimp phenotypes in their natural habitat. The Global Client Success team’s collaboration with clients worldwide highlights our dedication to maximising the potential of our products and services. One example is our dedicated biosecurity work in Vietnam, particularly with Viet Uc grow-out, as we have presented at several international conferences,” said Sellars. Genics has been busy supporting industry’s shift towards genomic selection. It introduced to markets, the L. vannamei 60,000 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) DNA marker system, a 7,800 SNP DNA marker system for P. monodon and an 8,000 SNP DNA marker panel for the pangasius. These tools promise gains, especially when combined with health and digital AI phenotyping solutions. In terms of tangible impacts, Sellars said, “There was the doubling of nauplii output at Texcumar, Ecuador in 2023, a significant achievement using our application of shrimp health knowledge and technology. Similarly, the practical application of our technology has translated into profitable and stable shrimp production at Viet Uc in Vietnam.” On its global reach, the clientele base has expanded exponentially. Today, it is servicing customers in over 45 countries. In 2021, they had customers in 15 countries and expanded to 28 in 2022. “We have an incredibly talented team of experts with an excellent team culture and a drive to deliver industryrelevant solutions. The team has expanded to 18 experts. Coming on board in early 2023, was our cornerstone investor and logistics expert Richard White.” Accolades were garnered in 2023 such as the Premier of Queensland Small Business Export Award, Lord Mayor’s Product Innovation Award and Australia’s InnovationAus Translational Hero Award.
The need for proactive disease management
A critical challenge, said Sellars is that no two farmers produce shrimp in the same way. “However, consolidation in some countries might help to lead to some consistency in production methods evolving over time. Intensification of production comes with pathogens and then disease challenges. Farmers seek solutions but unfortunately, with very few scientifically validated solutions to pathogens, there is a demand for unvalidated products sold as miracle cures.”
Prescriptions for progress
Sellars maps out a prescription for industry enhancement. Firstly, she champions biosecurity, advocating for a global
43
education drive on its significance. Biosecurity, she insists, need not be intricate or costly, but rather “a journey of continual improvement” and ideally every shrimp operation should have a biosecurity plan in place. Secondly, breeding programs should develop tolerant, robust, pathogen-free lines which are affordable and globally accessible. “We see many small “pop-up” breeding programs run regionally in different countries with inadequate infrastructure facilities and sometimes with staff who have inadequate animal husbandry skills.” Thirdly, she advocates for the adoption of a statistically significant and properly designed proactive health surveillance, bringing together farmer observations, multiple pathogen PCR data from a sensitive, accurate, and affordable platform and histology. The latter if required.
Bridging disparities between Asia and LATAM According to Sellars, divergences between the Asian and Latin American (LATAM) shrimp farms are primarily driven by varying densities, genetic lines, and risk mitigation awareness. “Farmers growing different genetic lines with different health statuses also have different needs in terms of early pathogen detection and risk mitigation.” Customisation and optimisation of solutions for early pathogen detection and early management over time emerge as the crux of addressing these divergent needs. “Overlay these with animal husbandry skills and experience, varying biosecurity knowledge, and different farmers having different needs for pathogen management based on knowledge and training.”
Addressing WSSV
This is a longstanding conundrum. Sellars advocates an adherence to pond carrying capacities, good biosecurity practices, and stocking of genetically suitable post larvae while documenting good operating procedures. Following stringent dry-out and pond preparation procedures before the next crop will also set a farmer up for another successful season. She also acknowledges the challenges posed by neighbouring farms operating at different standards, thus presenting a risk of horizontal transmission. In late 2022, Genics’ early pathogen detection technology proved pivotal in detecting a new WSSV incursion in Australia, safeguarding the industry against emerging threats. In Indonesia, its technology serves as an early warning system, distinguishing between successful harvests and potential losses.
Future trajectory
Sellars has a bold vision for Genics and anticipates a doubling growth trajectory. The recently unveiled suite, combining health and digital AI phenotyping is poised for global adoption. “Fundamentally, we will remain closely focused on delivering value for our clients, improving farm production and global food security. We will be transforming our industry by establishing sophisticated breeding programs that deliver high-quality broodstock and post larvae suited to solve our industry’s biggest challenges.” Beyond shrimp, Genics is exploring other aquaculture species that would benefit from highly accurate and multiplexed disease surveillance testing platforms. January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
44 Industry Review on Marine Shrimp
Asian marine shrimp in 2023: Reflections on the lowest prices in a decade Drastically low prices started the ‘stop and start’ trend. By Zuridah Merican
Earthen ponds and small greenhouse farms in China. Photo credit. Soraphat Panakorn, Novozymes.
A
t the end of 2022, most farmers worked with the expectation that post pandemic, demand will rebound and with this comes better prices. Buying had started in China in late 2022 and the first half of 2023 saw record high imports in China, going over the half a million tonnes mark but consumer demand and imports in the western markets of North America and Europe were down. Imports also declined in Japan and Australia (Globefish, 2023). Since early 2023, farmers grappled with lower farmgate prices, (Figure 1). According to Globefish, in June 2023, the benchmark farmgate prices of vannamei shrimp for 60/kg were record lows at USD3.83 in Vietnam, USD2.88 in India, USD3.62 in Indonesia and USD2.20 in Ecuador. Thailand started well with a high price of USD5.37 in January 2023 but fluctuated downwards to end at USD3.88 in December, drastically low compared to that in 2022 at USD4.65 (Source: Vinij Tansakul). By December 2023 prices were better at USD4.58 in Vietnam, USD 3.20-3.43 in India and USD2.65 in Ecuador but lower at USD3.52 in Indonesia. The highest farmgate price at USD4.84 was in Malaysia, where shrimp are mostly for the domestic market.
Vannamei shrimp supply in 2023
With falling farmgate prices, the question was whether the global vannamei shrimp supply in 2023 will contract. The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) and Rabobank global shrimp aquaculture production survey and forecast report (presented at the Responsible Seafood Summit 2023 in October) gave a modest supply decline of 0.4% for 2023 at 5.6 million tonnes. During TARS 2023 in August, Robins McIntosh, Charoen Pokphand showed data for 2022 at January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Farmgate prices in Vietnam and India in 2023 $8.00 $7.00 $6.00 $5.00 $4.00 $3.00 $2.00
Jan
Feb March April
100 VN
50 VN
May
Jun
July
30 VN
Aug
Sep
100 IN
Oct
Nov
50 IN
Dec
30 IN
Figure 1. Average monthly farmgate prices for vannamei shrimp in Vietnam (VN) and India (IN) for
Figure 1. Average monthly farmgate prices for vannamei shrimp sizes 100/kg, 50/kg and 30/kg. Source: Wei Che Wen, UniPresident, Vietnam. in Vietnam (VN) and India (IN) for sizes 100/kg, 50/kg and 30/kg. Source: Che Wen, Vietnam. VannameiWei shrimp supply in UniPresident, 2023
With falling farmgate prices, the ques8on was whether the global vannamei shrimp supply in 2023 will be less. The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) and Rabobank global shrimp aquaculture produc8o survey million and forecast report (presented at the Responsible Seafood Summit 2023 in October) gave a 5.34 tonnes and in 2023, only 5.10 million tonnes. modest supply decline of 0.4% for 2023 at 5.6 million tonnes. During TARS 2023 in August, Robins However, when Kontali considered the growth in volumes McIntosh, Charoen Pokphand showed data for 2022 at 5.34 million tonnes and in 2023, only 5.10 by Ecuador, the projection 6.3 million tonnes in by 2023 million tonnes. However, when Kontaliwas considered the growth in volumes Ecuador, the projec8 was 6.3 million tonnes in 20232023). (Visch, 2023; Bussel, 2023). (Visch, 2023; Bussel,
As early as in January 2022, India’s industry leaders were pessimis8c and projected drops to as mu As early as January 2023, India’s industry leaders were as 10-12% for 2023. Rabobank (Sharma, 2023) also gave some projec8ons of 2023 produc8on: pessimistic projected drops as much 10-12% Vietnam to be lessand -15.1%, Indonesia, -5.1% and Thailand -2.2%. as However, data from the for 2023.of Rabobank (Sharma, also gave some Department Fisheries Thailand (DOF) gave a 2023) 1.27% growth in produc8on to a total of 260,268 tonnes with more both vannamei and black 8ger shrimp 1). Produc8on from projections ofvolumes 2023 for production: Vietnam to be less(Table -15.1%, China is expected-5.1% to increase by 8.8%. Indonesia, and Thailand -2.2%. However, data from the Department of Fisheries Thailand (DOF) gave a Philippine Malaysi India Vietnam China Indonesia Thailand s a 1.27% growth in production to a total of 260,268 tonnes Total with more volumes for both vannamei and black tiger shrimp 788,800723,000 310,000256,832 91,000 32,000 2,070,000 production 835200 1). Production 320,000 is expected to shrimp (Table from China Vannamei 748,8002651,890,000* 241,526 22,000 increase by 8.8%.570,000 shrimp 795,200 275,000 Black tiger shrimp
40,00050,000
153,000
180,000*
Sources:
Sharma (2023)
Industry source
Guo, (2023); McIntosh (2022)
45,00050,000
15,306
33,731
SCI
DOF
PSA
10,000
Industry Review on Marine Shrimp India
China
Indonesia
Thailand
Philippines
Malaysia
Bangladesh
723,000
2,070,000 *
310,000320,000
256,832
89,247
32,000
70.219 *
748,800795,200
570,000
1,890,000*
265275,000
241,526
-
22,000
-
40,00050,000
153,000
180,000*
45,00050,000
15,306
-
10,000
70,219 *
DOF
PSA & BFAR (actual data for Q1-Q3 & estimate for Q4)
Industry source
Das (2023) * data for 2022
Total shrimp production
788,800835, 200
Vannamei shrimp Black tiger shrimp
Vietnam
Guo (2023); Sources:
45
Sharma (2023)
Industry source
McIntosh (2022)
SCI
*2022
Table 1. Estimates (tonnes) of shrimp production in major countries in Asia in 2023. DOF- Department of Fisheries, Thailand; SCI- Shrimp Club Indonesia; Manoj Sharma, Mayank Aquaculture, India; Philippines Statistics Authority & Bureau of Fisheries Aquatic Resources.
Farmed shrimp trade in 2023
Until July 2023, Chris Bussel, Kontali, at TARS 2023 reported a supply of 6.25 million tonnes of live weight equivalent (LWE) and out of this only 3.5 million tonnes entered the global trade, with 57% exported and 43% consumed locally. In a November review on export data up to Q3 2023, Willem van der Pijl, Shrimp Insights said that in Q3, the average prices of exported shrimp remained low. Despite a price slump, export volumes, mainly from Ecuador and India, continued to grow while others dropped. In Q1-Q3, the top six producers, Ecuador, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, China and Thailand exported 1.8 million tonnes (Shrimp Insights, 2023). In a presentation on export statistics for the global shrimp market at the second Global Shrimp Forum 2023 (GSF 2023), van der Pijl noted that within 6 months in 2023, Ecuador had reached 600,000 tonnes of exports raising a possibility that exports would reach 1.2 million tonnes for the whole year. “The total export value for Ecuador decreased, reflecting the negative price trend that Ecuador’s exporters have been experiencing in China and other markets they supply to,” said van der Pijl. Similarly, India’s export value is on the decline. This is reflected in the negative price trend that exporters have experienced in the US and China, India’s two largest export markets. China was absorbing most of Ecuadorian shrimp. There are also exports of Ecuadorian shrimp via Vietnam to China as the final destination. China was also absorbing shrimp from India, followed by Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. With regards to other markets, volumes into the US dropped 18% y-o-y with an average retail value of USD9/kg. In 2023, while Ecuador’s exports to the US dropped by 4%, other countries -India, Indonesia and Vietnam showed drops ranging from 20-28%.
Eyes on Ecuador
Industry in Asia continues to be intrigued by the success of Ecuador in growing its shrimp production and marketing. Sandro Coglitore, General Manager, Omarsa S.A shared some factors responsible for this success, during the Shrimp Summit 2023, among which were: low failure rates, technification with automatic feeders, aeration, and genetics and larval rearing. Production is within the same area of 220,000 ha. Thankfully, China is absorbing its production. Robins McIntosh added that Ecuador’s advantage is the postharvest handling which Coglitore added that Ecuador
has large integrators unlike the many 3-5 ha farms all over Asia. In the past year, large farms have been absorbing smaller farms too. Industry in Ecuador has enjoyed years of profits and is also more capitalised than their Asian counterparts. Manoj Sharma, Mayank Aquaculture, India noted that Ecuador, albeit one-tenth the size of India but produced 1.3 million tonnes, surpassing India. Sharma attributed Ecuador’s success to their efficiency. “Ecuador’s farmers are far more efficient than us, at 15% less than India’s cost of production”. Asian farmers realise that Ecuador has the better advantage especially when their market prices are low and the US market is nearby. Seabina.com said that Ecuador can sell up to USD2/kg lower than Vietnamese shrimp. It added that Ecuador has 40,000 ha of ASC certified farms allowing them to easily access the EU markets. With record low prices (USD2.80/kg for size 4050/kg dropping from USD4.10/kg in April 2022), supply chain challenges, rising prices of fishmeal, pending El Niño etc, Coglitore sees the only way to lower costs is through increasing yields. At GSF 2023, Gabriel Luna, Gluna Shrimp, Ecuador, and other industry experts estimated a 10-15% growth for Ecuador’s production to 1.5 million tonnes in 2023. On the contrary Rabobank gave a less optimistic 6.3% growth.
Industry and production trends in 2023 India
There was a slow start in 2023, with farmers not stocking. It was a wait and see situation, either harvesting size 100/kg when prices were low or in anticipation of prices rising, keeping shrimp in ponds to reach larger sizes. Many large integrators managed to cope with low prices while pessimism with the second crop pushed others to give up leases for farms. Most pond sizes are large and unlined. As farmers are challenged by disease outbreaks, Ravi Kumar Yellanki, Vaisakhi Biomarine said, “The route opted was to improve cost efficiency which was to lower stocking density from the current 40-50 PL/m 2. There is also the realisation that carrying capacity is constrained by the concentration of farms in a few areas. The trend of not taking a break between cycles and using the same water and probiotics is changing too. Some farms take crop holidays to break the pathogen cycle. Ultimately, production volumes in January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
46 Industry Review on Marine Shrimp 2023 is expected to go down.” To access markets in Europe, some farms are pushing for ASC certification. “The current landscape presents a dichotomy. Despite India’s ascent as a global shrimp producer, boasting a capability to reach the one-million-tonne output and as one of the leading exporters of shrimp, the industry grapples with a stark reality — a diminished farm success rate hovering around 40-50%, compared to a success rate of 85% in 2010,” said Manoj.
Vietnam
It was confirmed by industry that production declined in 2023. However, data presented in Table 1 on black tiger shrimp only reflected production from intensive/semiintensive farms. Globefish reported that Vietnam’s average farmgate prices for June 2023 was the highest in Asia at USD3.83/kg for size 60/kg. However, similar to India, there is a waiting game for higher prices such that at Vietfish 2023, Ho Quoc Luc, Fimex, expected a shortage of raw materials in the third quarter of 2023. He added that there was a lot of inventory in Vietnam. The current strategy is to work on value adding. Key is also to have a larger domestic market to absorb production. Vietnam has a free trade agreement with the EU but for better access, such markets require traceability. For several years, industry leaders lamented on the high cost of production (COP) in Vietnam at almost USD4.00/kg. Bringing down COP is a support mechanism by aquafeed producers such as CP Vietnam, Sheng Long, Grobest and Skretting as well as Minh Phu, the leading integrator which have been developing models to increase yield and lower COP. At GSF 2023, Dr Loc Tran, Shrimp Vet stressed that farmers need to reduce the risks of disease to achieve better profitability. He promotes a farm concept where the focus is on survival rate and COP and shrimp farming as a business. The minimum production is 2,000 tonnes which will require farms to consolidate. At Vietfish, Jesper Clausen, De Heus Vietnam said, “Some in Vietnam expect 2024 to be a transition year but industry will need to work hard at lowering the impact of disease and improve on efficiency.”
Indonesia
The Industry estimates production of 265 -275,000 tonnes of vannamei shrimp and 40-45,000 tonnes of black tiger
shrimp in 2023. Farmgate prices fluctuated and prices for size 50/kg shrimp ended the year at USD3.54, much lower than 2022 at USD3.96 (Figure 2, JALA Tech.) According to Aryo Wiryawan, JALA Tech, at TARS 2023, “Today 60% of the farms are no longer operating showing disease is impacting the industry.” In contrast, Denny Leonardo, Pandora Aquatech, Indonesia, believes that the fear of low farmgate prices is the major factor deterring production. Indonesia has one of the lowest COP at USD3.00-3.50/kg and some well managed farms can secure a lower COP such as USD2.50-2.90/kg. At TARS 2023, Bussel had anticipated some issues when a new regulation PP36 takes effect in August 2023 which may likely affect the cash flow of processors and buying of harvests. Indonesia, together with Ecuador, India, and Vietnam are subjected to antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations for imports of frozen warmwater shrimp to the US. This is a first for Indonesia and for industry players, it is particularly challenging when the US is the major market. Indonesian shrimp exports reached 130,776 tonnes, which was 17% behind the 2022 third quarter. Some 76% went to the US and other markets are Japan (12%). Malaysia is the third largest market this year with 3,581 tonnes (Shrimp Insights, 2023).
China
In recent years, there have been changes in China’s production landscape with the push to meet domestic demand by setting up small and large green houses. Guo (2023) gave an estimate of 1.49 million tonnes from seawater farms in 11 provinces and calculated 300,000 tonnes from freshwater ponds based on a success rate of 80%, bringing production to 1.89 million tonnes. At GSF 2023, Fang Qing, Aquaculture Stewardship Council China, countered that a success rate of 20% is more likely as farmers faced poor farming conditions, disease challenges and poor market prices. Another point raised was that such systems, using ground water may not be in line with the government’s program on ecological methods of farming. Visch (2023) said that there is increasing competition between domestic production and imported shrimp. Farmgate prices are usually much higher in China, compared with those in other countries, but in July,
Indonesia Indonesia's farmgate vannamei shrimp prices 2023
100
6.00
70
5.50
Price in USD/kg
5.00
4.68
4.50 4.00
4.06
3.73 3.34
3.50
4.87
5.04
5.26
5.39
50 5.12 4.88
4.23
5.08
4.99
5.05 4.56
4.36
4.12
4.13
3.80
3.77
3.82
3.88
3.39
3.35
3.41
3.38
30
4.07 4.00
3.65 3.10
3.00
3.80
3.44 2.99
3.90
3.89
3.61
3.62
3.12
3.14
4.01
3.74 3.22
3.88
3.59 3.54 3.15 3.27 2.82
2.50
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Month
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific Figure 2. Data on monthly farmgate prices for vannamei shrimp in Indonesia for sizes 30/kg, 50/kg,
Dec
Figure 2. Data on monthly farmgate prices for vannamei shrimp in Indonesia for sizes 30/ kg, 50/kg, 70/kg and 100/kg. Source: JALA Tech, Indonesia
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47
prices dropped 30% because of quality issues. Shrimp production in recirculation systems (RAS) is gaining momentum and Guo reported on plans by leading feed companies (Tongwei, CP and Evergreen) to expand their investments in RAS. Live vannamei shrimp are sold at USD40/kg.
What’s next in 2024
Responsible Seafood Summit 2023 expects global production to grow by about 4.8% in 2024 to close to 5.88 million tonnes (Dory, 2023). Rabobank’s Aquaculture Update 1H 2024 expects mild growth and mild contraction in Ecuador. However, an industry insider predicted a supply increase of 8% for 2024. While some in Ecuador’s industry expect some Figure 3. Produc8on of black 8ger shrimp. Presented at the Responsible Seafood Summit 2023, effects from El Niño which was due October 2023 by Global Seafood FigureAlliance 3. Production of black tiger shrimp. Presented at the (GSA) and Rabobank. to start in December 2023, particularly to 110,000 ha Responsible Seafood Summit 2023, October 2023 by Global Alliance (GSA) Rabobank. 2023, theanalyst, major setbackSeafood was depressed prices, osenand close to that for large size vannamei, such as out of the total of 225,000 ha, Kontali’sInshrimp in India, Vietnam and Malaysia (Table x). Recent data on farmgate prices in Vietnam showed price for Erwin Temaat, is convinced that large integrators are well size 30/kg black 8ger was VND150,000/kg (USD6.13) compared to VND138,000/kg (USD5.63) for prepared to mitigate risks with little effects on Ecuador’s vannamei shrimp. There is a premium for live black 8ger in Malaysia (MYR26.50/kg (USD5.62) for live production.
versus MYR25/kg (USD5.30) for fresh black 8ger for size 30/kg). Within Malaysia and also interna8onally, the market is small and very compe88ve. “Quality ma=ers for buyers, such as and 2023, moving away from the focus on EU markets. In India, Rabobank says that the expected contraction offering Malaysia’s black 8ger USD2.00/kg more over those from India,” said Catherine Lee, GST at Bangladesh exported 17,409 tonnes of black tiger may not occur in 1H 2024. AnotherTARS scenario is a 2023.
contraction as prices are still very low and farmers will shrimp and its major market is the Netherlands (Das, 2023). 2 Comparison of farmgate prices in USD (size 30/kg) between black 8ger and vannamei shrimp continue to skip cycles. Vietnam is the Table most expensive in major producing countries in January 2024. producer in Asia and production is expected to drop. India2023, Malaysia Indonesia Ecuador was depressed prices, the major setback In 2023, export volumes declined 23% Country but value Vietnam went In Black tiger 6.95 4.69 close 4.95 to that often for large size vannamei, such as in down 40%. Vannamei 5.93 4.81 6.13 4.42 Malaysia 3.45 (Table 2). Recent data on India, Vietnam and The curve ball for 2024 will be the US AD and CVD farmgate prices in Vietnam showed a farmgate price investigations, which will only take effect in 2H 2024. for size 30/kg black tiger USD6.95/kg) compared to Conclusion USD 5.93/kg for vannamei (Tablesaid2). Before that we may see importers stocking inon1H During theup panel shrimp produc8on at the Shrimp Summit 2023,shrimp Robins McIntosh thatThere the is ashrimp premium of always MYR1.50/kg for prices live atblack tiger in demand and supply cycle with farming will be there. Lower retail may 2024. (USD5.62) versus MYR25/kg increase consump8on butMalaysia ul8mately, it (MYR26.50/kg is about managing costs. Farmers always need higher margins to compensate for the high(USD5.30). failure rate, hovering at 20-30%. Managing is cri8cal, which farmers Within Malaysia andcosts also internationally, The comeback with black tigercanshrimp control. At TARS 2023,the he said, “In an oversupply situa8on, will becompetitive. the lower cost producers market is small and itvery “Quality The GSA/Rabobank survey featured that a chart the will stayon alive.” Whenmatters prices recover, predicted such that Indonesia and IndiaMalaysia’s will be ready. black forhebuyers, as offering comeback of the black tiger shrimp with a CAGR tiger USD2.00/kg more over those from India,” said are 7.8% available on request of 7.6% in 2022, 9.3% in 2023 and References a further Catherine Lee, GST at TARS 2023. is expected in 2024 (Figure 3). Asian black tiger production is estimated at 520,000 tonnes in 2023 Country Vietnam India Malaysia Indonesia Ecuador and is expected to increase to 580,000 tonnes in 2024 (Robins McIntosh, pers comm.) with growth in India Black tiger 6.95 4.69 4.95 and China. Vannamei 5.93 4.81 6.13 4.42 3.45 According to Shyamal Das, MU Seafoods, Bangladesh produced 70,219 tonnes in 2022, with 1,229 tonnes from semi-intensive farms. Thailand and Malaysia are small producers targeting the niche and live markets. There was more production in 2023 in Thailand according to DOF data, as well as in Malaysia. A Malaysian insider expects more production in 2024. At TARS 2023, Manoj said, “Understanding the world market for the black tiger shrimp is critical. India can hardly achieve an annual production of 40,000 to 50,000 tonnes since price realisation will be difficult when volumes increase.” Shrimp Insights reported that India’s black tiger exports in 2023 almost doubled to 22,315 tonnes from that in 2022. Exports went to Asian markets in 2022
Table 2. Comparison of farmgate prices in USD (size 30/kg) between black tiger and vannamei shrimp in major producing countries in January 2024.
Conclusion
During the panel on shrimp production at the Shrimp Summit 2023, Robins McIntosh said that the price cycle with shrimp farming will always be there. Lower prices at retail may increase consumption but ultimately, it is about managing costs. Farmers always need higher margins to compensate for the high failure rate, hovering at 20-30%. Managing costs is critical, which farmers can control. At TARS 2023, he said, “In an oversupply situation, it will be the lower cost producers that will stay alive.” When prices recover, he predicted that Indonesia and India will be ready. References are available on request
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
48 Industry Review on Marine Shrimp
Marketing amidst resurgence in supply for Asia’s black tiger shrimp in 2023 An exploration of market trends and strategies for this “pride of Asia”
Harvest at Mayank Aquaculture, Gujarat, India. Picture courtesy of Manoj Sharma.
P
roducers in Asia still reminisce the black tiger Penaeus monodon, the species which spurred commercial shrimp farming in Asia from the mid-1980s. Production was decimated mainly due to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) since 1996, and replaced with the domesticated specific pathogen free vannamei shrimp since 2002. A resurgence in the farming of the monodon shrimp in Southeast Asia, China and India came with the availability of specific pathogen free (SPF) broodstock in 2021. With more production and a depressed market demand, power was in the hands of buyers, namely from China, Japan and Europe. Marketing issues dominated the discussion at the panel on “How to maintain the resurgence of the black tiger” at TARS 2023 in August. The panel chaired by Dr Dean M Akiyama, Aquaculture Technical Advisor, Indonesia had two invited industry players - Catherine Lee, Shrimp Export Lead, Goh Siong Tee Marine Products (GST), Malaysia and Dr Yufan Zhang, China Aqua Business Development Manager, Alltech. Providing the background for discussions were two presentations. Dr Manoj Sharma, Director, Mayank Aquaculture recounted the challenges and costs of producing monodon shrimp in India, citing the dire situation with low ex farm prices for the shrimp. Regis Bador, Founder and CEO of Innov’Aquaculture from New Caledonia showed how monodon from Madagascar and Mozambique gained a foothold in Europe’s high end market.
Farming the monodon in India
Manoj has been in shrimp farming for 30 years, initially with the monodon shrimp and then changing to producing large vannamei and now reverting partially to produce monodon shrimp. He described the trajectory of both vannamei and monodon shrimp productions in India. He
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
described 1985 to 2009 as the monodon era; 2009-2021 as the vannamei era and now we are seeing the resurgence of monodon farming with the new SPF monodon. “A transformative phase was from 2011 to 2017, characterised by a remarkable surge in production. We called this the ‘vannamei tsunami’. Post-2017, the euphoria subsided, giving way to formidable challenges within the aquaculture sector. The industry is now grappling with a stark reality — a diminished farm success rate hovering around 40-50%, compared to a success rate of 85% in 2010,” said Manoj.
Internal challenges
While oversupply from Ecuador is a major challenge, in India, there is the rise in diseases, lower production success, and a 28% rise in input costs and all-time high costs for feeds and diesel. At the same time, farmgate prices have dropped by 30%. Manoj said, “In 2017 it was a party mode, everyone was making money in vannamei. But today, farmers are facing these major issues, and unable to reach break-even” A predominant factor is the onslaught of diseases, with WSSV wreaking havoc across both vannamei and monodon shrimp farms. The high prevalence of Zoothamnium in low density monodon farming was attributed to years of high-density farming of the vannamei. “The first crop of monodon in 2021 was very encouraging but there were WSSV outbreaks even in the summer months, when temperatures rose to 32-33°C. For both shrimp species, the high stocking density, high salinity, high temperature and higher organic loads, all combined leading to disease outbreaks.”
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49
Dean M Akiyama, Indonesia (left) chaired the panel comprising from second left, Manoj Sharma, Mayank Aquaculture, India; Yufan Zhang, Alltech, China; Regis Bador, Innov’Aquaculture from New Caledonia and Catherine Lee, Goh Siong Tee Marine Products, Malaysia.
Production cost
While he conceded that the new SPF monodon is good on the production side, the issue is that it can only truly be sold above 25g. There is no value for emergency harvests. “Comparing costs of production, for counts/kg 30/40, be it vannamei or monodon, it is close to USD4/ kg. Survival and feed conversion ratio (FCR) are crucial, and we are at the mercy of nature in terms of production and market in terms of price,” added Manoj. Monodon post larvae cost significantly higher at USD1214/1,000 PL than that of vannamei at USD3.5/1,000 PL. There is a call for indigenous brood stock and genetic lines to bring down the cost of post larvae. Within India itself, infrastructure imbalances lead to challenges in cost efficiency. “Andhra Pradesh can sustain any industry shock due to better prices for small counts and lower cost of production. Post larvae prices are double in Gujarat, feed price 12% and electricity 6X higher,” said Manoj.
There is a huge potential for domestic marketing in India. A market for sizes 16 to 25g should be developed in India itself as an insurance to emergency harvests.
Strategies for the monodon in India
According to Manoj, the maximum production in India as per current market situation is 40,000 to 50,000 tonnes of monodon. At more volumes, prices will fall. Another suggestion is to “plan monodon culture in creekbased systems or other areas where vannamei culture is failing”. However, he cautioned that farmers will have to balance their production between vannamei and monodon and sustain species diversification. The advice is to farm monodon in high saline and high temperature conditions.
Large size for monodon
At farmgate prices of 20C of vannamei at USD7.3/kg versus monodon at USD6.5/kg (Table 1) the situation has been dire for monodon farmers who will then suffer from losses. However, in 2023, Manoj managed to make gains by pushing to size 12C/11C at very high prices. He explained that he managed to produce 100g shrimp which took 200-300 days and obtained a good margin when selling at USD16/kg. Quoting challenges such as carrying capacity and diseases, this was a one-off crop success.
The market crisis and a slow approach
A market crisis with low prices beckons a measured approach to monodon marketing. The suggestion is to offer branded, traceable, and certified monodon products. “If India were to produce more monodon it would cause an oversupply. In contemplation of the future, we should increase domestic demand and augment per capita shrimp consumption. If we work together, even increasing 100g extra per capita, 1-2 million tonnes of shrimp will be consumed,” suggested Manoj.
“If we work together, even increasing consumption by 100g extra per capita, 1-2 million tonnes of shrimp will be consumed annually,” said Manoj Sharma on developing domestic markets.
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
50 Industry Review on Marine Shrimp Vannamei shrimp Count/kg 20
Monodon shrimp
USD/kg
Count/kg
USD/kg
10
11.6
7.3
20
6.5
30
4.6
30
4.65
40
3.65
40
4.2
50
3.3
50
3.0
60
3.0
60
2.7
Madagascar’s and Mozambique’s monodon shrimp
In marketing into niche markets, two noteworthy success stories emerged - Madagascar’s and Mozambique’s shrimp. The two producers differentiate themselves in a competitive market with specific farming rules and limited stocking density. They invested in multiple certifications and told a real story about efforts and achievements on community welfare and environmental issues.
Table 1. Prices in USD/kg between vannamei and monodon in India in August 2023.
Call for unity in markets
Manoj said, “My appeal to all Asian shrimp farmers is to create a separate market platform for monodon shrimp – let’s market it as pride of Asia.”
Brand marketing the monodon: A lesson from the Colombian Coffee success
As global shrimp production surges, declining global prices success story in a different industry was directed to the young farmers in this conference in particularly affect the livelihoods of Asian farmers as they Marketing cooked monodon in a seafood market in Malaysia. marketing black tiger shrimp. face increasing production costs. Bador compared the Picture courtesy of Catherine Lee.
current situation as strikingly similar to that of Colombian coffee, in the 60s-70s. This historical success story in In Mozambique, it is a family story which intertwines a different industry was directed to the young farmers In the post-World War II era, Colombia had a huge stock of unsold coffee and in the1960s with a commitment to community and environmental in this conference in marketing the monodon shrimp. prices plummeted due to oversupply. Regis explained that lesstheir than 5% ofbeyond US mere responsibility. By “Only showcasing dedication inspections and committing to long-term trust-building In the post-World Warwhere II era, Colombia had a huge consumers knew their coffee wasstock coming from. Furthermore, they were always using of unsold coffee and in the1960s prices plummeted with buyers and consumers, these shrimp producers set adue blend and taking theexplained cheapestthat sources”. Nationalapart. Federation of Coffee Growers of themselves to oversupply. Bador “Only lessThe than 5% of US consumers knewan where their coffeecampaign. was Colombia (FNC) ordered advertising There was a visionary marketing journey, coming from. Furthermore, they were always using a In a world dominated by social media, storytelling has creating the iconic Juan Valdez character and emphasising qualities Colombian become pivotal.the It is unique not just about being of different but blend and taking the cheapest sources”. The National about fostering a human connection through community Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC) ordered coffee. an advertising campaign. There was a visionary marketing and environmental narratives. The key takeaway is clear— journey, creating the iconic Juan Valdez character and commitment, storytelling, and continuous communication emphasising the unique qualities of Colombian coffee. are essential to building trust, not just with wholesalers Brand identity and processors but with the end consumers. “Be fully trustworthy, strictly not respect rules be The success lay in brand identity, using a logo that showcased justthe thechosen product butto the Brand identity different and communicate all the required information The success lay it in was brandgrown. identity,This using a logo thatstrategy aimed to educate consumers on the region where marketing on a regular basis.” showcased not just the product but the region where it distinct features of Colombian coffee, specifically Arabica which is known for its superior was grown. This marketing strategy aimed to educate In a market where trust has waned, these success stories consumersThe on the distinct features of Colombian coffee, buyers and consumers to choose 100% quality. campaign effectively convinced remind us that being distinct, ethical, and committed specifically Arabica which is known for its superior quality. are not only possible but also profitable. Whether it’s Colombian coffee. The campaign effectively convinced buyers and consumers through a familial narrative, environmental commitments, to choose progressively, 100% Colombian coffee. or unique branding, the shrimp industry in Asia has much to learn from the triumphs of Colombian coffee. [insert photo of Juan Valdez logo] The successful logo depicted Juan Valdez, a typical Colombian Market strategies for the amonodon: Mass The successful logo depicted Juan Valdez, typical Colombian producer harvesting by hand, vs unique markets emphasising 100% Colombian producer harvesting by hand, emphasising Colombian The success in marketing monodon100% from Madagascar and Coffee. After years of effort, and Mozambique high end markets, may not work for mass video campaigns, other American Coffee. After years of effort,inand video campaigns, other brands started to sell only 100% volume markets. “The point of my presentation was to give American started to sell only 100% Coffee Colombian Coffee validating brands the inspiration to some producers andColombian stress the importance success of the campaign. For of nicheofmarkets. There are For manyFNC, placesthis in the world validating the success the campaign. “origin FNC, this “origin differentiation such as in Dubai, where consumers are willing to pay a strategy” boosted the demand for strategy” boosted the demand for Colombian differentiation lot for special dishes with monodon shrimp produced Colombian coffee.
coffee.
under unique and different conditions.
. communicated their uniqueness not just through Monodon producers in Malaysia, as well as other countries They claims but by leveraging on gastronomy by working with are dealing with pricing pressures. Lee does not see famous chefs. One striking example involved a claim of the prices going down and echoed the importance of respect for mangroves, low carbon footprint and shrimp selling the shrimp as a brand and exploring niche markets. welfare, rebranding shrimp as “le bijou or jewel” instead “Recently, our value proposition is to sell cooked shrimp. Madagascar’s of just “shrimp.” and Mozambique's black tiger shrimp In marketing into niche markets, January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific two noteworthy success stories emerged - Madagascar’s
Industry Review on Marine Shrimp
“Be fully trustworthy, strictly respect the chosen rules to be different and communicate all the required information on a regular basis.” - Regis Bador. There is close proximity from farm to processing plant and we harvest live. We also have a unique project with Chinese buyers offering freshly peeled monodon shrimp with no soaking to Michelin starred high-end restaurants, targeting a premium market segment. The quantity and volume might be small. This is niche market for Malaysia that allows us to remain as active suppliers.”
More supply and domestic markets
China produces around 150,000 to 200,000 tonnes of monodon shrimp and almost 95% is consumed domestically. Zhang said, “I agree that it is imperative to know how much the market wants and the state of demand, which Chinese and other producers must figure out. Some 70% of monodon comes from Fujian province. Monodon farming used to be a goldmine with prices 5 times higher than vannamei shrimp. The cost of production is so high that it is mostly sold in tier-1 cities.For the consumer, monodon is just a bigger shrimp and with vannamei cheaper, monodon is losing out to vannamei.”
Trust is so critical for branding
With social media, people are always critical of misleading content, misinformed or is fake. “You also have to appreciate that this is the only form of content that people trust and it is the only way to reach the final consumer who will finally purchase the seafood. We cannot have the brand destroyed by a few,” said Bador. Lee concurred that branding and perception is invaluable. One example was how the perceived value of monodon dropped with images of shrimp injected with gel in Vietnam which damage its reputation in China.
51
Madagascar’s cooked monodon at the Seafood Expo Global 2023
Expectations of markets
Akiyama asked the panel on their experiences with European, Asian and Chinese buyers. “In the European market, the emphasis is on certification and quality although it is still price sensitive,” said Lee. The premium can be USD30 cents/kg more when these standards are met. There are challenges exporting to Europe due to stringent requirements. Chinese buyers are extremely price conscious and wait for a market downtrend. “Japanese buyers rely on direct relationships, trustbuilding, and frequent visits to ensure quality, rather than being particular about certifications. Internally they’ve done testing to determine freshness, and its correlation with taste. They know how to differentiate quality and would be willing to pay a premium price, such as for shrimp from New Caledonia. In my experience, they will pay USD30-50 cents/kg more because they believe that Malaysia produces higher and better quality.” Zhang described how shrimp are consumed in China. “Large frozen shrimp is for barbecue and after applying strong soy sauce, everything tastes similar. Small shrimp is used for frying so it does not matter whether it is monodon or vannamei. Lastly, there is a demand for live shrimp where most restaurants still prefer to steam to keep the meat quality which gives the monodon a better chance to show its quality advantage. However, despite the demand for live shrimp, we cannot expect high prices to be linked to meat quality. When low-priced shrimp from Ecuador or India is available, I think even the live shrimp market will be significantly affected.”
March/April 2024
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Issue focus: Health & Disease Management Industry Review: Marine Fish Fishmeal/ Oil Replacements/Industrialisation Deadlines: Articles/Adverts – January 30
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January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
52 Industry Review on Marine Shrimp
Trade, supply and consumption at GSF 2023
sustainability (70% reduc?on in GHG by 20 consumers when choosing foods. Trade, supply and consump1on at GSF 2023 T
he three-day second Global Shrimp Forum (GSF 2023) opened on September 5 with an inspiration on how shrimp is perceived and a presentation on the findings on The three-day second Global Shrimp Forum (GSF 2023) opened on September 5 with an inspira?on global shrimp consumption. It was a huge success with on how shrimp perceived a presenta?on on the findings on global shrimp consump?on. It was an attendance of is 530 delegates,and representing over 300 companies from more than 40 different countries, said the aorganiser, huge success with an aEendance of 530 delegates, represen?ng over 300 companies from more the Global Shrimp Forum Foundation (GSFF).
than 40 different countries, said the organiser, the Global Shrimp Forum Founda?on. The opening also featured a leadership panel comprising
Guillaume Smeets, Animal Nutrition and Health; The opening also Cargill featured a leadership panel comprising Guillaume Smeets, Cargill Animal Nutri?on Novel Sharma, Rabobank; Rajagopal Choudary Chitturi, and Rabobank; Rajagopal Devi Health; Fisheries,Novel IndiaSharma, and Sandro Coglitore, Omarsa, Choudary ChiEuri, Devi Fisheries, India; Sandro Ecuador, sharing their vision on the state of industry. Coglitore, Omarsa, Ecuador, sharing their vision on the state of industry. In his 2-minute take on the state of the industry in Ecuador,
In his 2-minute take statea race of the industry Coglitore cautioned that on it isthe already to the bottomin Ecuador, Coglitore cau?oned that it is already a Polli The attributes of shrimp consumption on these cards allowed with low prices, and many farmers are already In race to the boEom with low prices, andquitting. many farmers are already quiVng. In the long term, it is the audience to select their choices during the opening session: the long term, it is survival of the fittest while in the short Nutrition and Health, Sustainability and Versatility, Convenience, Nutrition and Health, Sustainability survival of the fiEest while in the short term, it is to expect lower produc?on volumes. So, the term, it is to expect lower production volumes. He urged the and Positive Associations. (Photo credit: GSF 2023) global industry to come together andHe promote demand industry will con?nue to grow. urgedathe global industry to come together and promote a for a generic shrimp. He reckoned that if consumption demand forbya 1lb/capita generic shrimp. He reckoned that if consump?on is increased by 1lb/capita in the is increased in the established US market, Raising shrimp consump1on consumption will be an extra 350 million lbs (159,000 established US market, consump?on will be an extra 350 million lbs (159,000 tonnes) for the 350 tonnes) for the 350 million population. The goal is to sustain Raising shrimp consumption million popula?on. goal is to sustain livelihood farmers and allfrom those the supply Usingofsurplus revenue its in event in 2022,chain. GSFF the livelihood of farmersThe and all those in the supplythe chain.
Using surplus revenue from its event in 20 commissioned a study on the most effective ways for shrimp consumption to beresilient”, better promoted. The aim was In “how keep fragmented industry in India and Rajagopal said In response response toto“how to to keep the the fragmented industry in study onrobust the most effec?ve ways for shrim India robust and resilient”, Rajagopal said low prices have to empower the industry to clearly define its narrative and low prices have deterred farmers from con?nuing to farm and volumes from the second crop will be deterred farmers from continuing to farm and volumes demonstrate what sets shrimp apart when compared with empower the industry to clearly define its otherofmore common although proteins, highlighting factors dras?cally lower. The way out islower. to lower the cost produc?on it is difficult with such rising from the second crop willonly be drastically The only as the nutritional value, versatility and sustainability of way out is to lower the cost of production although it is input costs. Disease outbreaks come with higher stocking densitywith as wellother as lowermore successcommon rates. compared prote difficult with rising input costs. Disease outbreaks come shrimp. Independent Marketing and Brand Consultant, Arnd campaigns Jan Gulmanstodiscussed initial findings. The Farmers begun to as lower stocking density. Na?onal increase his domes?c with higherhave stocking density well as lower success rates. sustainability of website shrimp. Ind complete reportand is now available at the GSF National campaigns to increase domestic consumption are versa?lity consump?on are showing some results. Sharma added, “From an investment standpoint, produc?on (https://www.shrimpforum.com/publication/gsf-reportshowing some results. Sharma added, “From an investment Gulmans discussed his ini?al promoting-shrimp-consumption). over the carrying capacity highcapacity failureand rates a high biological cost and reduce the findings. The standpoint, production over the and carrying highcarry failure rates carry a high biological cost and reduce the predictability level.” (https://www.shrimpforum.com/publica predictability level.” Shrimp trade statistics Willem van der Pijl, Board Member, Managing Director of
It an interactive interac?ve opening on “We Shrimp” Melanie Siggs ( Global Seafood Alliance and It was was an opening on “We Talk Talk Shrimp” with with GSF and owner of Shrimp Insights, presented on trends in Melanie Siggs ( Global Seafood Alliance and The Center the global shrimp trade up to July 2023. The overall export Shrimp trade sta1s1cs The Center for Responsible Seafood). She carried out a poll and asked the audience on the role of for Responsible Seafood) asking the audience on the role of trend was clearly driven by India and Ecuador. While shrimp nutri?on and health, its versa?lity (easy to por?on, barbeques, curriesinetc) shrimp inin nutrition and health, its versatility (easy to portion, Ecuador’s export volumes dropped July,and the total volume barbecues, curries etc) and sustainability (70% reduction in GHG by 2030), which is increasingly important among Chinese consumers when choosing foods.
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had already exceeded almost 600,000 tonnes in six months. Manag Willem van der Pijl, Board Member, When the second half matched that in 2022, Ecuador might owner of Shrimp Insights, presented on tre export trend was clearly driven by India an
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reach 1.12 million tonnes of exports in 2023. Since 2022, China is back and is really absorbing most of Ecuador’s growth in supply particularly head-on shell-on (HOSO) and headless shell on (HLSO). Some 60% of Ecuador’s production comes from the four top producers (Santa Princilla, Omarsa, Songa and Expalsa). Volumes should rise to 900,000 tonnes of exports to China alone (Table 1). 2022
2023 estimate
Ecuador
1,052,758
1,158,467 (+10%)
India
704,029
633,802 (-10%)
Vietnam
379,193
284,395 ( -25%)
Indonesia
231,413
202,262 ( -13%)
Table 1. Global shrimp supply (from export data and HS codes) from the top four countries in tonnes. YTD April Ecuador’s shrimp exports reached 390,000 tonnes of which 64% were destined for China. With the removal of diesel subsidies for farm areas above 30ha, the cost of production increased by USD0.35/kg. Comparing prices in July 2023 vs April 2022, these have fallen by USD1.54 /kg for size 60, from an estimate of USD6.50. India’s farmed shrimp export in 1H 2023 was marginally down at 295,667 tonnes as compared to 1H in 2022. Broodstock imports at less than -30% confirmed the drop in the first crop production and a possible further drop in Q3 2023. Higher (137%) exports of the black tiger shrimp (12,308 tonnes) went to Asian markets. Using mirror data for Vietnam, van der Pijl said that Vietnam’s exports were 31% down year-on-year in Q1 and 39% down in Q2. Export value went down 30%. In H1 2023, Indonesia’s vannamei exports were down by 19% Y-o-Y. With regards to markets, India, Ecuador and Indonesia are the three top exporters to the US. But India’s H1 drop in farmed shrimp exports to the US, was compensated by other markets such as the EU, Vietnam and Russia. Japan is indonesia’s largest market after the US, at 32% of exports in 2022. In terms of imports, China and the US absorbed most of the global shrimp supply in 2022; 945,791 tonnes for China and US, 837,622 tonnes. EU was third with 556,048 tonnes. China’s real consumption is 2,500 containers per month and they prefer brine frozen shrimp and therefore, their preference is Ecuador. LATAM countries supplied the majority at 65% of the total in 2022. There were some comments from the panel. Gabriel Luna, Owner, Glunashrimp SA, expects that some farms in Ecuador will push boundaries to 6 tonnes/ha with partial harvesting, moving from the average productivity at 2-3tonnes/ha. In India, Sree Atluri, Devi Sea Foods Limited expects production to be less of larger sizes but more of small sizes. Real time data from BBIPM Indonesia showed an export decline by 20% in July. Aris Utama, PT Bumi Menara Internusa (BMI) said that with current market prices, the trend was lowering stocking density. Cost of production is USD3.50/kg. “Vietnam is moving towards more value adding, and expects 30% less production,” said Liem Nyugen, Minh Phu Seafood Group, Vietnam. Van der Pijl summarised a downtrend in global supply at 15% for 2023, arising from reduced production by 15% both in Indonesia and India and 25% in Vietnam.
Willem van der Pijl (left) presented on trends in the global shrimp trade up to July 2023. Denny Leonardo, Pandora Aquatech, Indonesia participated in the panel Farmers x Tech.
Vannamei shrimp production
Kontali’s Sander Visch with IDH’s Lisa Wageningen led panel discussions, ranging from: whether Ecuador will continue to grow its shrimp production; Chinese domestic production versus its imports; and strategies of Asian producers to remain competitive and find their niche in the marketplace. In a one-on-one conversation with Yahira Piedrahita, Chamber of Aquaculture Ecuador (CNA), Visch asked how much production will grow in Ecuador, on the current challenges with the security situation and how will El Niño affect production. Piedrahita said that the effect of the low prices is that small and medium farmers do not have the profit to invest in technification (aeration, auto feeders etc). Productivity will depend on the market situation. Growth will be mostly from the larger companies. The industry spends USD18 million or USD 6 cents kg of production on implementing security. On growth in 2023, the expectation is between 10-15% more than in 2022. El Niño is forecasted to be devastating. Flooding will affect logistics and infrastructure. Fishmeal and fish oil prices are expected to rise and droughts to affect soybean production. Feeds wise, it will be seeking protein alternatives. Dr Fuci Guo, Royal Agrifirm, Canada set the stage with a presentation on unmasking vannamei shrimp production in China. A panel of Chinese industry insiders jointly reflected on supply from domestic production and imports. They agreed with Guo’s assessment that there is a demand gap of one million tonnes to be fulfilled by imports. “This could be more when the economic situation improves, or when consumption in inland areas is explored,” said Fang Qing, Aquaculture Stewardship Council, China. He added that domestic production for live/fresh shrimp in RAS farms around the top tier cities have increased by 30% since 2018. Imports and domestic production from earthen ponds are for frozen, ready to eat and shrimp meat markets. Qing also highlighted a market for high quality shrimp meat for expectant mothers and infants. January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
aquaculture company in Indonesia inves?ng in technology and research to change farming prac?ces to be more cost conscious along the produc?on cycle. He described the components to run enterprise farms in Indonesia towards beEer profitability with investments in technology and research and fully fledged labs. There is a focus to predict pathogens 10 days before the outbreak.
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Both Farthing and Dr Loc Tran, Shrimp Vet (Vietnam) would like to see the industry in Asia developed farming into a business and focus of consistency. Loc said it is puVng good prac?ces in terms of Dr Ronnie Jin, Aqua-One expects a rapid growth of super push by the industry to farm vannamei shrimp, since the design and protocols and combined with a comprehensive risk management. Loc has developed a intensive supplying tier cities with live/fresh segment have been operating only at 30-35% model bringing RAS down COP from USD4.00top to USD2.40/kg and next is scaling up this model.processing In India, shrimp. Requiring high investments and discussed skilled some technical capacity. Ravi Kumar Yellanki, Managing Director, Vaisakhi Biomarine steps being taken to improve efficiency. supplies Bangladesh, tradi?onally of Penaeus monodon and staff, produc?on RAS currently only 3% aofproducer this demand for Macrobrachium rosenbergi now wants to shio to vannamei produc?on. In Bangladesh, Das, ended with a panel discussing retail trends and live and fresh shrimp. He quoted a demand in Beijing at Shyamal GSF 2023 MU Seafoods discussed theFred push by the industry to farmThailand, L. vannamei, since processing segment 500 tonnes/day. Kao, SyAqua, saidthethat consumption promotion. RaboResearch Global Economics have been opera?ng only at 40% capacity.
hatcheries import 250,000 pairs of broodstock, mainly robust and balance lines to counter disease challenges, aside from using F2 and F3 broodstock.
& Markets’ Jan Lambregts gave a bigger picture on the current macroeconomic situation and how this is impacting markets and decision-making in the shrimp sector. Linda Lai Cornish, President and Founder of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP), a U.S. based nonprofit organisation with a mission to inspire a healthier America said that post pandemic, people are seeking health. Through this coalition of corporate members and NGOs, there is unity to increase seafood consumption twice a week, increasing from 14lbs/person to 20 lbs/ person. A guide on shrimp nutrition was scheduled for the end of 2023. It was clear that industry knows a lot about production but too little on consumption.
The panel on how to remain profitable in the current shrimp farming landscape in India, Vietnam and Indonesia, was preceded by a presentation by Alex Farthing from DELOS, a science-based aquaculture company in Indonesia using technology and research to change farming practices and to be more cost conscious The Global Shrimp Forum 2024 will be held on September along the production cycle. 3-5 in Utrecht, The Netherlands. He described the components to run enterprise farms in Black ?ger shrimp at the welcome recep?on Indonesia towards better GSF 2023 ended with a panel discussing retail trends and consump?on promo?on. RaboResearch profitability with investments in a bigger technology and fully Global Economics & Markets’ Jan Lambregts gave picture on the current macroeconomic fledged There is a focus predict pathogens 10 days situa?on andlabs. how this is impac?ng marketsto and decision-making in the shrimp sector. Linda Lai before an outbreak. Both Farthing and Dr Loc Tran, Shrimp Vet (Vietnam) would like to see the industry in Asia develop farming into a business and focus on consistency. Loc said it is putting good practices in terms of design and protocols and combine with a comprehensive risk management. Loc has developed a model bringing down COP from USD4.00 to USD2.40/kg and next is scaling up this model. In India, Ravi Kumar Yellanki, Vaisakhi Biomarine, discussed some steps being taken to improve production efficiency. Bangladesh, traditionally a producer of only black tiger shrimp now wants to shift to vannamei shrimp production. Shyamal Das, MU Seafoods discussed the
At the trade show, Thailand based Ocean Aquaculture, from left to right, Filipe Pereira, Erik van der Brande and Chatpet Pongdabpet. The company markets Artemia cysts, enrichment and microencapsulated diets.
Feeds and feed ingredients
Ronnie Tan, US Grains Council, Malaysia and Esther Luiten, ASC chaired this session which started with an update on the global commodity market, presented by Carlos Mera, Agri-Commodities Markets Research, Rabobank. The respective challenges feed companies in Ecuador and India face and their outlook were detailed by Carlos Miranda, Skretting Ecuador and Ramakanth Akula, The Waterbase Limited, India. Shrimp feed prices are expected to remain firm due to feed ingredient prices. With El Niño and fishing bans in the East Pacific, fishmeal and oil supply will be reduced, thus increasing prices. Shrimp feed demand is expected to remain in Ecuador. The ASC feed standards and implications for the supply chain were presented by Michiel Fransen. These standards will have implications for sustainable feed ingredients and likely to affect plant-based ingredients more compared to marine based as the marine side has reached a higher level of certification. Supply chain downstream will have to follow but Tan said the question of ‘who will pay for it’ remains unanswered. The industry admits that it January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Ronnie Tan, US Grains Council, Malaysia (second right) and Esther Luiten, ASC (left) with Jesper Clausen, Royal De Heus Animal Nutrition, Vietnam (second left) and Lukas Manomaitis, USSEC (right).
is a difficult time as costs are elevated for everyone and it is unlikely that the consumer is willing to pay more. Innovations featured smart feeding systems, development of a single cell protein as a feed ingredient and the progress toward a fish free shrimp feed formulation.
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The people, science and products at AE23 A
quaculture Europe 2023 (AE23) was held in Vienna, Austria, from September 18-21. This is the annual meeting of the European Aquaculture Society with the theme ‘Balanced Diversity in the Aquaculture Environment’. Diversification in aquaculture should be well balanced taking into account: area specificities, available natural resources, social realities and needs of circular economy. Diversification should be appropriately maintained for local conditions, market access and resilience. Balance between small and large-scale aquaculture enterprises and activities of various water users for example are salient issues in future aquaculture development.
cooperation with the European Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform (EATiP) contributes to the harmonisation and coordination of Hungarian aquaculture innovation programs and independently carries out innovation activities. He was also the President of the Hungarian Aquaculture Association.
The event had a total of 2,293 participants, from 80 countries, attending 52 sessions throughout the 3-day conference and trade show. There were 378 students attending and around 50 joined a visit to dsm-firmenich’s Animal Nutrition and Health R&D facilities in Tulln.
Hungary and Laos
László received the FEAP Award for Excellence in 2015 for his contributions to freshwater aquaculture, by playing a key role in developing the Hungarian sector as well as for his strong involvement and cooperation with less developed countries.
Over recent years, László has split his time between Hungary and Laos. Cooperation in aquaculture development with Laos started in the 1980s and was supported by FAO at that time. One recent milestone was the establishment of a Hungarian-Laos joint venture company (ADC), which is producing high quality tilapia fingerlings. Fish culture was the “entry point” for other projects (e.g. feed manufacturing, livestock production, plant cultivation, irrigation) in the production of healthy and safe food in Laos.
Highlights at the plenary sessions
József Popp, John von Neumann University Hungary discussed “Balanced diversity and the responsible use of global resources to produce healthy food.” On climate change, the message was to act with biodiversity and renewable energy. This is coupled with sustainable intensification by increasing land use and aquatic productivity while sustaining natural resources. Laszlo Varadi with Bente Torstensen and Alistair Lane
Honorary Life Membership
EAS, organisers of AE23, gave its highest award Honorary Life Membership - to Dr László Varadi, who has dedicated his life and professional career to the recognition and development of pond aquaculture in central and eastern Europe – and well beyond. Bente Torstensen EAS President 2022-2024 introduced and presented the award.
“Breeding for Resilience – Are we ready?” was covered by two speakers; Antti Kause who leads the genetics and genomics of the fish breeding programmes at the Natural Resources Institute (Luke), Finland and Morten Rye, Benchmark. The message was that genetic progress is driven more by accuracy of selection and selection intensity than by genetic variation and generation interval. Kause listed perturbations in aquaculture which include climate change, disease, multiple production systems,
László has been involved in aquaculture development since 1974 when he started to work in the Research Institute of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Irrigation (HAKI) in Hungary. Besides R&D, for the development of sustainable freshwater aquaculture systems and technologies in Hungary, he was also involved in various aquaculture development projects in Asia, Africa and Latin America, mainly as an expert for the FAO. Technology and innovation are key words for László and the processes aimed at strengthening aquaculture innovation in Hungary have developed in parallel with the European ones. The Hungarian Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform (HUNATiP), of which László is Chief Technical Advisor was a milestone, which in close
Japan’s Nagase Sanbio Co team, Nobumitsu Sato and Shinobu Sawada with Ingrid Lupatsch, Ab Agri Ltd, UK.
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56 Show Review metabolome, and finally before going to markets, intensive product testing and developing prototypes. Standen was glad to support and inspire the next generation of aquaculture scientists and stakeholders. There was also a career talk with dsm-firmenich’s diverse team, Eduardo Yamashita, Aqua Technical Manager, Latin America based in Brazil; Lorran Gabardo, now Regional Product Manager Asia Pacific, and Eva Binder, Head of Translational Science, Animal Nutrition and Health. Joining them was Ronnie Tan, US Grains Council, Malaysia.
Giving a career talk in Tulln, Benedict Standen (right) with, from left, Eduardo Yamashita, Lorran Gabardo, Ronnie Tan and Eva Binder.
novel feed and changes in fish welfare. For a geneticist, these also present opportunities. With regards to novel feeds, selection of fish reared with novel feeds makes them adapt to the feed. He also showed changes on feed utilisation in European seabass selected for 4 generations. Discussing disease resistance, Rye said that the genomics toolbox is rapidly expanding, demonstrating the applications in several species – useful for complex traits, increased accuracy and reduced inbreeding. On the horizon, is gene editing which could be a game changer for disease resistance as it is faster than selection breeding. However, there is no uptake on gene editing in Europe. Lissy Smit, CEO Aqua-Spark discussed “Moving aquaculture to more sustainable, healthier and affordable production, an investor viewpoint.” Aquaculture is still a sector which is under invested, said Smit, and explained how Aqua Spark invests for scale. • Validated ideas and innovative R&D; • Resilient teams such as eFishery in Indonesia, which has a diverse field team with local knowledge; • Strategy for scale is business plans around scale such as Calysta in China; • Alliances and collaborations; • Market and industry adoption is talking to retailers etc.
The team recounted the early days when they themselves were seeking their first jobs. The advice given by Yamashita was to never give up on aquaculture. Gabardo advised that they should not wait for the most suitable option but to just pursue whichever comes first. Binder believes that with a science background it will be possible to pursue whatever job they wish. Representing industry, Tan had these messages: Be open to the whole value chain in aquaculture; don’t focus only on R&D and technical but to leverage them for the business side and look at your own start up as there is sufficient funding out there.
Euroshrimp
The interest in shrimp farming in Europe came about because of the negative associations with imported shrimp and an increased preference for locally produced shrimp -fresh and of high quality and available in inland markets, said Dr Philip Buike, CEO Island Shrimp, Spain in his presentation on the history of shrimp farming in Europe. The future challenges are technical such as cost control, optimum production scale and effluent management. Commercial-wise, it is whether shrimp farming in recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) in Europe is a viable business model and can the production be consistent. What is clear to the group is that shrimp production in Europe is not going to compete with imported shrimp. In the next five years, some objectives are Made in Europe shrimp as well as a widely available Made in Europe post larvae. Friedrich Tietze, Suburban Seafood, Germany, suggested a closed loop farming with ‘hatch your own shrimp” which gives better control on production and costs.
Student career talk in Tulln
Dr Benedict Standen, Head, Aqua Marketing Global organised an afternoon visit to dsm-firmenich’s Animal Nutrition and Health R&D facilities in Tulln for around 50 students attending AE23. This was an opportunity to observe firsthand the strong in-house research to develop innovative solutions for the aquaculture industry. The centre in Tulln, sited among universities and leading scientific institutions, has around 120 researchers in various biotech-focused teams. Some areas of research are using –omics technologies for a better understanding of antibiotic resistance, mycotoxin degrading enzymes as well as using AI to determine the mycotoxin contamination of harvests, genomics to understand microbiota and
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Gareth Giles (left) and Kazutoshi Utsunomiya. Ireland-based Pacific Trading Aquaculture distributes high quality hatchery feed products such as the Japanese manufactured Otohime range of larval fish diets, very popular in Asia and Sparos’ WinFast which is a premium weaning microdiet for fast growing marine fish larvae.
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Alvaro Rodriguez (left) and Dario Cleofe from Liptoaqua, Spain which markets feed additives with immunomodulatory effects on fish and shrimp production.
The INVE Aquaculture team at the launch; from left, Dr Peter De Schryver, Innovations Director, Mario Hoffmann, Regional Sales Director EMEA; Geert Rombaut, and Fernando Garcia, Global Commercial Director Benchmark Advance Nutrition/INVE Aquaculture.
Product Launch: Ultra-precise artemia and rotifer quantification
INVE Aquaculture launched a game-changing solution for aquaculture hatcheries worldwide. This is SnappArt, a revolutionary automated live food counting tool, setting new standards for optimal feed management and enhanced production quality. The launch began with Mario Hoffmann, Regional Sales Director EMEA detailing some challenges in hatcheries. SnappArt simplifies live food counting in hatcheries, from small-scale to large commercial operations, ensuring accurate feeding practices. In larviculture and fry production, the innovation will optimize feeding protocols, improving production efficiency, and reducing wastage in larviculture and fry development. A roll-out in additional regions across the globe will follow swiftly. More details https://bitly. ws/3awyE
BioMar was Gold Sponsor at AE23. It also sponsored the session on nutrition-alternative ingredients. Kiranpreet Kaur, Aker Biomarine ASA reported on enhancing feed utilisation of nutrients and growth of gilthead bream Sparus aurata using krill meal, as a functional raw material which could enhance bioavailability and fish health. Kaur reported better growth and utilisation coupled with economic benefits after 12 weeks of feeding. Marta Carvalho from the University of Las Palmas, Spain presented on the impact using novel diets in gilthead bream selected for fast growth. In her experiment, she used diets containing 15% fish meal and 5.0% fish oil to mimic current composition of commercial feeds for this fish with some plant meal and oils as protein and lipid sources. In two diets, fish meal was replaced by an insect meal or a single cell protein. Fish oil was replaced with a blend of poultry and algal oils. There were positive effects of genetics to support the use of insect meal and algal oil as replacers of fish meal and fish oil, respectively. Algae oil increases omega 3s PUFAs of fish fillets, improving the nutritional value of fish final products for consumers. Accurate biomass estimation is crucial for efficient feeding planning and reducing environmental impacts. In the Innovation Forum, Bruna Guterres, Federal University of Rio Grande, Brazil, discussed how deploying an off-the-shelf AI solution may be an important ally for biomass estimation within aquaculture applications. The presentation detailed the setup for data acquisition using a camera set within the rearing tank. The main challenges and advantages were discussed from a user and technological perspective. The work highlighted that computer vision and deep machine learning are useful tools to perform biomass estimation even when reliable data collection from tanks becomes challenging because of high water turbidity.
RAS and grouper farming
Sweden based Veolia Water Technologies promoted its Hydrotech Value series of drum filters which gives maximum filtration performance at a minimum operational cost. The company believes that to be a market leader is to give customers a quality that meets their exact requirements at the best possible price. Ireland-based Aquamonitrix has a new version of its RAS analyser which give precise readings of ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels, in real time, simultaneously and autonomously. Geert Rombaut, Product Manager Artemia and Live Feed demonstrated the features of the SnappArt live food counting system.
The global company Desmi has high-quality industrial UV systems for intake and recirculation water to address the constant challenge of disease outbreaks. The AquaShield UV systems effectively eradicate pathogens and reduce mortality rates while ensuring safety and peace of mind of aquaculture professionals. January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
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Will Conn at the Hydrotech booth.
and selects copepods high in protein and lipid with high levels of EPA and DHA from the Bohai Bay. These are used in larviculture of red seabream, halibut and vannamei shrimp. At this trade show, the team displayed their high quality freeze dried polychaetes.
Giant grouper farming in Germany
A team from Alfred Wegener Institute, Germany presented on trials to test the feasibility of farming the giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus in RAS in Europe. This is part of the OPTIRAS (short for ‘Optimising RAS) to promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and best practices in RAS across Europe. They used juveniles imported from Australia and fed 3 commercial floating feeds to reach 100200g. There were several goals: to identify the formulated feeds available in Europe that meet the requirements of the species, determine an optimal rearing density which is economically viable yet meet animal welfare norms. The stocking density trial with 437g fish stocked at 60kg, 80kg and 100kg/m3 showed no difference in growth. The bio economic comparison with European seabass and seabream and yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) favoured the giant grouper which grew the fastest at 30°C to reach 2kg in a year, at a high stocking density of 80-100kg/m3 and highest productivity of 170-230kg/m3. The retail price for fresh fish was around €30/kg, comparable to yellowtail and turbot.
Microalgae and copepods
In the EU, Spain, Germany, France and Italy lead with the highest number of microalgae companies. Aquaculture is a market for these companies aside from food supplements, nutraceuticals and cosmetics. Belgium-based Proviron offers freeze dried forms of marine microalgae produced using its ProviAPT technology to hatcheries to reduce or eliminate the risk of contamination and to ensure a healthy production. Proviron suggested Nanno Prime and Iso Prime microlgae for finfish and additionally ChaetoPrime, TetraPrime, ThalaPrime for the various stages of the crustacean, bivalves, echinoderms and live feeds. It recommends the use of its Tetra Prime C (freeze dried Tetraselmis chuii) as a choice to fight zoea syndrome in penaeid shrimp larvae as it suppresses the growth of Vibrios.
Dr Liu Fengqi (left) and the team, Linda Meng and Yunyun Xiao.
Immune modulating capacity of seaweed
In a technical seminar organised by Olmix, France, Professor Johan Schrama from Wageningen University presented on healthy diets for fish. Part of his work is to valorise seaweed’s immune modulating capacity. However, the immunological effects of seaweeds depend on species and on the extraction technology. Discussions at this seminar included the benefits of MFeed+® which is based on a patented technology OEA® or Olmix Exfoliated Algoclay to extract green and red seaweed. These exfoliated layers offer a very large contact surface to boost enzymatic activity. Olmix has developed MSP® extracted via a fully macroalgae biorefinery process. It has highly active sulfated polysaccharides specifically 100% from cell walls of macroalgae. Raquel Pereira, Product Manager, Yes Olimix explained that Algimun® is based on a combination of two biologically active microalgal extracts; MSP® immunity and MSP®Barrier for the promotion and maintenance of mucosal barrier function. The product promotes better disease resistance of seabass and gilthead seabream under a bacterial challenge. Survival improved by 75% in fish farms in Turkey affected by heat stress. To demonstrate strengthening of the mucosal barrier integrity, Pereira reported on results of fish survival after a pathogen challenge with different bacteria species, when fed diets with Algimun. Survival improved 49% in olive flounder in Korea, and 50% in tilapia in Vietnam.
Spain based Aqualgae is a 10-year-old multidisciplinary company which combines engineering, biology, and biotechnology expertise to develop tailor made solutions. It has automated bioreactors to produce volumes of algae under biosecurity systems which gives hatcheries the required volume of algae on tap. Portugal based Newton has been in the algae production business for 25 years. It has Nannochloropsis, Tetraselmis, and Isochrysis etc as dried powder, liquid and frozen. For feeding marine fish larvae, Norway-based CFeed has live copepods of 100-200µm ready in three steps and after 24 hours at 26°C, copepods are ready for harvesting. A first at AE23 was China’s Tianjin Ranova Petfood which focusses on supplying markets freeze dried petfood and frozen fish food. It has a newly constructed factory with large and advanced freeze-drying technology. Dr Liu Fengqi from the College of Life Sciences at Nankai University, now its CEO, set up this company in 2000 January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
Olivier Biannic, Key Account Strategy Manager (second left) and the Olmix team, from right. Hasan Hüseyin Özçiftçi, Technical and Sales Manager, Türkiye; Raquel Pereira, Olmix Yes, Brazil; Sylvain David, Area Manager North & West Europe and Anne Cecile Jutten, Feed Product Manager (left).
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Nabil Hamid, Chairman Grand Fish Feed (middle) with Joe Kearns (right) and Scott Snyder.
Fish feeds from Egypt
Grand Aqua, based in Egypt is the largest aquafeed producer in the Middle East. The annual production is 90,000 tonnes per year of a large range of floating and sinking feeds for freshwater and marine fish and shrimp. Pellet size ranges from 2 to 12 mm and crude protein from 25% to 55%. The team led by Nabil Hamid, Chairman Grand Fish Feed organized a seminar on fish feed production. The target audience was fish feed users as well as others interested in methods used to create a wide range of high-quality aquaculture feeds and their use. After an introduction by Nabil, speakers, Dr Scott Snyder of Zeigler Brothers, Dr. Mohamad Said and Joe Kearns of
Grand Fish Feed reviewed the nutritional, production, and final product characteristics. Kearns said, “We want to share our experiences in fish feed production and the outcomes from Grand Aqua’s feeds. We will follow that up with the discussion on the process itself how we make these feeds. We were in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, where they were getting a feed conversion ratio (FCR) above 1.6 but we have achieved 1.1 which means a tremendous difference in cost of raising the tilapia. We are already selling in Europe. Our biggest market is still Egypt, but we are already exporting our feed to 40 different countries .”
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barrier integrity, Pereira reported on results with inclusion of Algimun at 3 kg/tonne and fed for 2.5 months in rainbow trout carried out in Brazil: juvenile Olive flounder for 3 months in Korea and red Plapia for one month in Vietnam. -end-
Business and Partner Development Manager for the Aqua Feed division in China
Appointment: Business and Partner Development Manager for the Aqua Feed division in China In a strategic move to further solidify its presence in the Chinese market, the Symrise Aqua Feed division of has announced the appointment of Richard Liu as the Business and Partner Development Manager for the Chinese market, effective December 2023. Richard holds a master’s degree in food quality management from Wageningen University, The Netherlands. His academic background and industry experience position him as an asset to the strategic aqua feed objectives of Symrise in the Chinese market.
I
n a strategic move to further solidify its presence in the Chinese market, Symrise Aqua Feed has announced the appointment of Richard Liu as the Business and Partner Development Manager for the Chinese market, effective December 2023. Liu holds a master’s degree in food quality management from Wageningen University, The Netherlands. His academic background and industry experience position him as an asset to the strategic aqua feed objectives of Symrise in the Chinese market.
In terms of sales and development, Liu will build upon the momentum of the past three years, ensuring the ongoing success of sales and development initiatives in the Chinese market. In product innovation, he will address the unique needs of the China aquafeed market, leading the launch of new products, aiming to meet current demands, and to expand the market presence of Symrise in aqua feed solutions. Liu will establish key partnerships with Chinese entities, contributing to the development of new products made in China.
Chinese entities, contributing to the development of new products made in China.
Liu said, “It feels exciting to join a world leading company by working in an increasing and promising market. The demand for high quality proteins grows constantly to meet our human food Liu said, “It feels exciting to join a world leading company by working in an increasing and promising consumption In this In terms of sales and development, Liu will build upon the market. The demand for high requirements. quality proteins grows constantly to meetarea, our humanwe food can contribute requirements. In this area, we can contributewith to the aqua market of China with our to the aqua market of China our expertise.” momentum of the past three years, ensuring the ongoing consumption expertise.” success of sales and development initiatives in the Symrise Aqua Feed specializes in developing, testing, and manufacturing sustainable ingredients and Symrise Aqua Feed inhigh developing, and Chinese market. In product innovation, he will address the palatability enhancers. They help aquafeedspecializes manufacturers produce performance diet andtesting, feed low carbon footprint.” www.aquafeed.symrise.com sustainable ingredients and palatability unique needs of the China aquafeed market, leading the withmanufacturing launch of new products, aiming to meet current demands, . enhancers. They help aquafeed manufacturers produce and to expand the market presence of Symrise in aqua high performance diet and feed with low carbon footprint.” feed solutions. Liu will establish key partnerships with www.aquafeed.symrise.com
Group Director - Sales Domestic & International
Goud Dhanunjaya (right) with U Dushyant Kumar, Managing Director of Devee Group
H
The Devee Group is making significant strides in the livestock and aquaculture industry in India, delivering advanced healthcare solutions that cater to the evolving needs of farmers. With a solid foundation spanning two decades, the group has established itself as a pioneer in providing innovative and sustainable solutions to the aquaculture, poultry, and ruminant sectors. Its success is built upon the unwavering commitment to understanding market dynamics and delivering value-driven products and services. Devee takes immense pride in its state-ofthe-art plant, certified by GMP+, ISO, and Fami-QS*, which ensures the production of high-quality offerings. By prioritising customer satisfaction and nurturing strong relationships, Devee Group has become a trusted partner in the livestock, ruminant and aquaculture healthcare industry.
yderabad based Devee Group has announced the appointment of Goud Dhanunjaya as the Group Director - Sales (Domestic & International), effective from January 1, 2024.
Its dedication lies in driving the growth and development of these sectors and empowering farmers for a prosperous future. Through a relentless pursuit of excellence and focus on cutting-edge solutions, Devee Group continues Goud Dhanunjaya (right) with U Dushyant Kumar, Managing Director of Devee Group “With over 20 years of experience in the aquaculture to lead positive change within the industry. Hyderabad based Devee Group announced the appointment Goud Dhanunjaya as the Group and livestock sector inhas Asia, Dhanunjaya bringsofvaluable Director - Sales in (Domestic & International), frombusinesses January 1, 2024.and The group is proud of its achievements and remain expertise managing feed effective additive steadfastbrings in a mission to revolutionise livestock and establishing distributor networks in South “With over 20 yearsstrong of experience in the aquaculture and livestock sector and in Asia, Dhanunjaya valuable expertise in managing feed additive and establishing strong distributor networks aquaculture healthcare. It is excited to expand its presence Southeast Asian countries. Hisbusinesses track record includes indriving South and Southeast countries. His track record includes networks, driving sales, managing distribution markets through strategic partnerships. to international sales, Asian managing distribution networks, implementing business strategies, and spearheading new product developments in implementing business strategies, and spearheading new healthcare products for shrimp and fish culture,” said U Dushyantkumar, Managing Director. product developments in healthcare products for shrimp *Fami-QS*: Feed Additives and Premixture Quality System The Devee Group is making significant in the livestock andManaging aquaculture industry in India,final verification phase. www.deveegroup.com is under and fish culture,” said Ustrides Dushyantkumar, delivering advanced healthcare solutions that cater to the evolving needs of farmers. With a solid Director.
foundation spanning two decades, the group has established itself as a pioneer in providing innovative and sustainable solutions to the aquaculture, poultry, and ruminant sectors. Its success is built upon the unwavering commitment to understanding market dynamics and delivering valueJanuary/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific driven products and services. Devee takes immense pride in its state-of-the-art plant, certified by
62 Event News
Humane stunning of shrimp with semi-dry electrical stunners
Mårten Jørgensen at the booth of Optimar AS during the Global Shrimp Forum. The team brought with them the electric stunner for shrimp.
N
orway based Optimar AS is a seafood technology company with leading innovations on fish handling and processing for aquaculture and fisheries. During the Global Shrimp Forum, held from September 5-7 in Utrecht, The Netherlands, Mårten Jørgensen, Sales Manager discussed the humane stunning of shrimp, other crustaceans and farmed/wild fish species including yellowtail kingfish, tilapia, salmon, trout, European seabass and seabream, lobster, crab, langoustine etc using its electrical stunner. “We developed the new electrical stunner in 2005 and commercialization began in 2007. Making any species unconscious in 0.5 second, we have sold more than 700 stunners around the world. It is not only for fish farming but also included in these numbers are 140 stunners for fishing fleets.” The focus on farmed shrimp only started a few years ago when Optimar began a cooperation with some large supermarket chains, Tesco and Marks and Spencer. The cooperation is still ongoing, and the Optimar shrimp El-stunners are now being used by shrimp farmers in Honduras, Ecuador, Vietnam, and other countries farming shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon. Jørgensen said that they are also working with different NGOs to supply stunners to shrimp farms around the world. The Shrimp Welfare Project (SWP) buys shrimp stunners from Optimar and distributes these amongst shrimp farmers for free. In January 2023, SWP and Optimar signed an MoU to collaborate to promote more humane slaughter practices for shrimp. Both parties recognise the need to minimise the suffering of shrimp in the farming industry and commit to doing so. For farmed shrimp, in general, it is estimated that around 400 billion individuals are killed each year. The most widely used method of slaughter for shrimp is
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
thermal shock through immersion in an ice water slurry. Unfortunately, there are growing concerns that immersion in ice may not adequately stun decapods during slaughter with this process and may even be detrimental to their welfare. Andrés Jiménez Zorrilla, SWP co-founder and CEO has acquired Optimar’s electrical stunner which he will use at MERSeafood, a shrimp producer in the Honduras which supplies large global buyers. In terms of pricing, Jørgensen said that it depends on the capacity, but at this forum, Optimar was offering a special price such as the one which can process 5 tonnes/shrimp per hour which is a common capacity for most farms. The mode of action is to have this at the farm on a truck and connected to a generator. This 5 tonnes capacity stunner uses 6-7 kWh and travels from pond to pond. The live shrimp harvest is pumped into the stunner. Alternatively, the farmer harvests the shrimp in baskets or using braille nets. The live shrimps are made unconscious and kept in slurry ice. “This is a human way to render any crustacean or fish unconscious safely and, in a stress, free manner,” said Jørgensen. The per hour capacity of these electric stunners dedicated to shrimp and crustaceans are graded into 1-5 tonnes, 5-10 tonnes and 10 tonnes or more. In the case of fish, the per hour capacity ranges from one to 25 tonnes. Optimar says that it is the world leader with these electric stunners which have been scientifically verified and in compliance with European and Norwegian standards. Optimar expects to be back in the next Global Shrimp Forum 2024 (September 3-5) in Utrecht and present their latest version of their Semi-dry Electric Stunner for shrimp. www.optimar.no
HEALTH & NUTRITION ASIA 2024 BITEC, BANGKOK, THAILAND 12-14 MARCH
TOTAL ANIMAL FEED AND HEALTH EVENT FOR ASIA in co-location with
ORGANIZED BY
www.vivhealthandnutrition.nl
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The US Grains Council will be exhibiting at the Seafood Exhibition Global (SEG) Hall 1 #1C503. SEG 2023 will be from April 23-25 at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via Venue, Barcelona, Spain.
64 Event News
Post show, it will be organising a one-day International Aquaculture Conference AprilAquaculture 26, 2024 at the Catalonia International Conference April 26, 2024 Barcelona Plaza, Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain
The program for this willwill include an opening Theconference US Grains Council be exhibiting at the Seafood by Ramy Taieb, U.S. GrainsGlobal Council, Director forwill be Exhibition (SEG)Regional Hall 1 #1C503. SEG 2023 International Aquaculture Conference from April 23-25 and at theKarisha Fira Barcelona Gran Via Venue, Europe,Aquaculture Middle East and Africa Kuypers, International Conference Barcelona, Spain. April 26, 2024 | Barcelona, Spain USDA April 26, 2024FAS Madrid, Agricultural Attaché.
33rd annual practical short course on feeds, pet food and aqua feed extrusion February 5-9, 2024, at Texas A&M University, USA (hybrid) This33rd is a one-week Practical Short Short Course on Feeds,on Pet Feeds, Pet Food and Practical Course Food and Aqua Feed Extrusion at Texas A&M University Aquafeed Extrusion in hybrid format by staff, industry representatives, and February 5-9, 2024 |Texas A&M University, USA (hybrid) consultants. 33rd annual practical short course on feeds, pet food and aqua feed
extrusion is awill one-week Practical Short Course on Feeds, Pet Food and TheThis program cover information on different February 5-9, 2024, at Texas A&M University, USA extrusion systems such as dryat extruder, twinAqua Feed Extrusion Texassingle A&Mand University in hybrid format by staff, (hybrid) Barcelona, Spain Post show, it will be organising a one-day International screw extruder, designing new feedand millsconsultants. and selecting industry representatives, The presentations will be as follows: Aquaculture Conference April 26, 2024 at the Catalonia The US Grains Council will be exhibiting at the Seafood Expo conveying, This is a one-week Practical Short Course on Feeds, drying, grinding, conditioning and Pet feed Barcelona demand Plaza, Barcelona, Spainby Willem •Grains US &Hall EU Shrimp supply The US Council willmarket: be exhibiting at&the Seafood Global (SEG) 1 #1C503. SEG 2023 will be from April 23- mixing Food and Aqua Feed Extrusionpractices at Texas A&M University equipment. Current for production of 33rd annual practical Van der Pijl, Shrimp Insights The program will cover information on different extrusion systems such in hybrid format by staff, industry representatives, and Exhibition Global (SEG) Hall 1 #1C503. SEG 2023 will be 25 at the Fira BarcelonaThe Gran ViaforVenue, Barcelona, Spain. program this conference will include an opening pet foods, aqua feed, full-fat soyaqua meal;feed recycling byconsultants. short course on feeds, pet food and • Global Tilapia and Catfish Outlook by Ragnar Nystoyl, as dry extruder, single and twin-screw extruder, designing new feed by Ramy Taieb, U.S. Grains Council, Regional Director for from April 23-25 at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via Venue, products, aqua feed nutrition principles; spraying and Europe, Middle East and Africa and Karisha Kuypers, extrusion Kontali mills and will selecting Barcelona, The program cover information on differentdrying, Post show, Spain. it will be organising one-day International coating systems, andconveying, preservatives; use of grinding, conditioning and feed USDA FAS Madrid,aAgricultural February 5-9, 2024, at digests Texas University, USA • Best practice of Mediterranean Seabass &Attaché. Seabream mixing equipment. Current practices for production of pet foods, aqua extrusion systems such asA&M dry extruder, single and twinencapsulated ingredients and preparation of premixes Aquaculture Conference on April 26, 2024 at the Catalonia (hybrid) feed, culture feeding bypresentations Kantham Papanna, ex Nireus screw extruder, designing feed mills and selecting by-products, aqua feed nutrition Post show, it will&be organising a one-day The willInternational be as follows: full-fat soynew meal; recycling are reviewed. Reservations are accepted on a first-come Barcelona Plaza, Barcelona, Spain conveying, drying, grinding, conditioning and feed Aquaculture US & 26, EU Shrimp & supply by Willem Aquaculture Conference •April 2024market: at thedemand Catalonia principles; spraying andforcoating digests and preservatives; basis. For more information, contact: Mian N.systems, Riaz Emixing equipment. Current practices production Van&der Pijl, ShrimpDemand: Insights Outlook and This is a one-week Practical Short Course on Feeds,ofPet • Global Supply Aquafeed Barcelona Plaza,Grain Barcelona, Spain pet foods, feed, full-fat soy meal; recycling by- and preparation of premixes are use of aqua encapsulated ingredients mail: mnriaz@tamu.edu and Catfish by Ragnar Nystoyl,by The program for this conference will include opening Food and Aqua Feed Extrusion at Texas A&M University Opportunities for• Global DDGSTilapia by Ronnie Tan,Outlook USGCan products, aqua feed nutrition principles; spraying and Kontali Reservations are accepted on a first-come basis. 2024 Ramy USGC, Regional Director for Europe, Middle coating systems, digests and larvi preservatives; use of and in hybridreviewed. format by staff, industry representatives, • Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s new feed standards TheTaieb, program for this conference will include an opening • Best practice of Mediterranean Seabass & Seabream -end-encapsulated ingredients and8th preparation of premixesLarviculture Fish & Shellfish consultants. for sustainability by Michel Franssen of ASC Eastbyand andGrains Karisha USDA FAS Madrid, culture &Kuypers, feeding by Kantham Papanna, ex Nireus RamyAfrica Taieb, U.S. Council, Regional Director for For more information, are reviewed. Reservations are accepted on a first-come Symposium Aquaculture DDGS sustainability program by Carlos Suarez, USGC Agricultural Attaché. basis. For more information, contact: Mian N.mnriaz@tamu.edu Riaz EEurope,• Middle East and •Africa and Karisha Kuypers, contact: Mian N. Riaz E-mail: Global Grain Supply & Aquafeed Demand: Outlook and September 9-12, 2024 The program will cover information on different • Searching for Synergies: How Marine Ingredients mail: mnriaz@tamu.edu USDA FAS Madrid, Agricultural Attaché. Opportunities for DDGS by Ronnie Tan, USGC Ostend, Belgium extrusion systems such as dry extruder, single and twinImprove Feed Use in Aquaculture by Brett larvi 2024 The presentations willGrain be as follows: • Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s new feed standards -endIstFish announcement and call for papers 8th & Shellfish Larviculture screw extruder, designing new feed mills and selecting IFFO for follows: sustainability Franssen ASC The&presentations be as • US EUGlencross, Shrimpwill market: demandby&Michel supply byofWillem van Symposium and feed •Protein DDGS sustainability program by CarlosinSuarez, USGCconveying, drying, grinding, conditioning • Corn Fermented and Their Applications larvi 2024 8th Fish & Shellfish Larviculture • USPijl, & EUShrimp Shrimp market: demandfor&Synergies: supply by Willem der Insights September 9-12, 2024 • Searching How Marine Ingredients mixing equipment. Current practices Interested contributors production of to the Aquafeeds by Kevin Herrik, POET Ostend,for Belgium Van derTilapia Pijl, Shrimp Improve Feed Grain Use by in Aquaculture Brett • Global andInsights Catfish Outlook Ragnarby Nystoyl, Symposium symposium programme are invited to pet foods, aqua feed, full-fat soy meal; recycling byIst announcement and call for papers • DDGS adds value to trout feed by Deniz Coban, • Global Tilapia and CatfishGlencross, OutlookIFFO by Ragnar Nystoyl, Kontali submit tospraying the Symposium Secretariat September 9-12, | Ostend, Belgium and 2024 • Corn Fermented Protein and Their Applications in products, aqua feed nutrition principles; Department of Aquaculture Engineering, Adnan Kontali Interested contributors the • Best practice of Mediterranean before January 15,to2024 Aquafeeds by KevinSeabass Herrik, POET & Seabream Ist announcement and call for papers coating systems, digests and preservatives; use of Menderes University symposium programme are invited to • Best practice of Mediterranean Seabass &Papanna, Seabream • DDGSKantham adds value to trout feed by Denizex More information: culture & feeding by encapsulated ingredients and preparation of premixes • Panel moderators will be Caleb Wurth, USGC and Coban,Nireus submit to the Symposium Secretariat Department of Aquaculture Engineering, Adnan culture & feeding by Kantham Papanna, ex Nireus https://aquaculture.ugent.be/larvi/ Aquaculture January 15, 2024 are reviewed. Reservations are before accepted a first-come Mohamed Salah Bouthour, USGC. More information: Menderes University Interested contributors toonthe symposium programme are invited to Aquaculture More information: • Global Grain Supply •& Aquafeed Demand: Outlook basis. Forsubmit more information, contact: Mian N. Riaz E- before January 15, 2024 Panel moderators will be Caleb Wurth, USGC and and www.grains.org to the Symposium Secretariat • Global Grain Supply & Aquafeed Demand: Outlook and https://aquaculture.ugent.be/larvi/ Mohamed Salah Bouthour, USGC. More information: Opportunities for DDGS by Ronnie Tan, USGC mail: mnriaz@tamu.edu More information: https://aquaculture.ugent.be/larvi/ Opportunities for DDGS by Ronnie Tan, USGC www.grains.org • Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s new feed standards larvi 2024 • Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s new feed standards -endforfor sustainability by Michel Franssen of ASC 8th Fish & Shellfish Larviculture sustainability by Michel Franssen of ASC • DDGS program by Carlos USGC Symposium • DDGSsustainability sustainability program by Carlos Suarez,Suarez, USGC XXI International Symposium on Fish • Searching Synergies: How Marine Ingredients Improve September 9-12, 2024 • Searching for for Synergies: How Marine Ingredients Feed Grain Use in Aquaculture by Brett Glencross, IFFO Ostend, Belgium and Feeding 27-31 May 2023 | Nutrition Improve Feed Grain Use in Aquaculture by Brett Ist announcement and call for papers • Corn Fermented Glencross, IFFO Protein and Applications in Aquafeeds Puerto Vallarta, Mexico XXI Symposium on by Kevin Herrik, Protein POET and Their Applications in XXIInternational International Symposium on • Corn Fermented Fish Nutrition and Feeding 27-31 May 2023 Interested contributors FishPuerto Nutrition andMexico Feeding 27-31 May 2023 to the • DDGS adds value to POET trout feed by Deniz Coban, Aquafeeds by Kevin Herrik, Call ForVallarta, Papers: symposium programme are invited to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Department of Aquaculture • DDGS adds value to trout feed Engineering, by Deniz Coban, Adnan Menderes The ISFNF2024submit Committee invites participants to the Symposium Secretariat to submit high-quality Call For Papers: Department of Aquaculture Engineering, Adnan University oral and poster presentations that are in keeping with the “ Blue and The ISFNF2024 Committee invites participants to submit before January 15, 2024 Call For Papers: Menderes University high-quality oral and poster Challenges presentations that are in Opportunities for a Sustainable Green Aquafeeds: and More information: The ISFNF2024 Committee invites participants to submit • Panel moderatorswill will be be Caleb Wurth, USGC and keeping with the " Blue and Green Aquafeeds: Challenges Panel moderators Caleb Wurth and Mohamed Salah Aquaculture” topic. Deadline: March 15, https://aquaculture.ugent.be/larvi/ high-quality oral and presentations are in2024 and Opportunities forposter a Sustainable Aquaculture"that topic. Mohamed Salah Bouthour, USGC. More information: Bouthour, USGC. More information: www.grains.org Deadline: March 15, 2024 keeping with the " Blue and Green Aquafeeds: Challenges More information: https://isfnf2024.com www.grains.org information: for https://isfnf2024.com and More Opportunities a Sustainable Aquaculture" topic. Deadline: March 15, 2024 More information: https://isfnf2024.com
2024 February 5-9
33rd Annual Practical Short Course on Feeds, Pet Food and Aqua Feed Extrusion (Hybrid) Texas A&M, USA teesedge.tamu.edu/courses/extrusion/
February 15-17 AquaIndia 2024 Chennai aquaprofessional.org
February 18-21
Aquaculture America 2024 San Antonio, Texas was.org
March 12-14
Health & Nutrition Asia/Victam Asia 2024 Bangkok, Thailand vivhealthandnutrition.nl/
March 20-22 VietShrimp Camau City vietshrimp.net
April 23-25
Seafood Expo Global Barcelona, Spain seafoodexpo.com/global
January/February 2024 AQUA Culture Asia Pacific
April 26
August 21-23
XXI International Symposium on
International Aquaculture Conference Fish Nutrition and Feeding 27-31 May 2023 Barcelona, Spain Puerto Vallarta, Mexico grains.org Call For Papers: May 27-31
VIETFISH 2024 vietfish.com.vn/en
August 26-30
AQUA24 The ISFNF2024 Committee invites participants to submit XXI International Symposium on Fish Copenhagen, Denmark oral and poster presentations that are in Nutritionhigh-quality and Feeding(ISFNF) was.org keeping with the " Blue and Green Aquafeeds: Challenges Puerto Vallarta, Mexico September 3-5 and Opportunities for a Sustainable Aquaculture" topic. isfnf2024.com Global Shrimp Forum 2024 Deadline: March 15, 2024 June 5-6 shrimp-forum.com More information: https://isfnf2024.com Shrimp Aquaculture Conference Bali, September 9-12 Indonesia larvi 2024 June 27-29 Ostend, Belgium Shrimp Summit aquaculture.UGent.be/larvi Chennai, India September 17-19 responsibleseafood.org SPACE JULY 2-5 Rennes, France Asian Pacific Aquaculture 2024 space.fr (APA24) September 24-27 Surabaya, Indonesia Latin American & & Caribbean was.org Aquaculture 2024 August 14-15 Medellin, Colombia TARS 2024: Finfish Aquaculture was.org Bangkok, Thailand November 20-23 tarsaquaculture.com AFRAQ24 – Hammamet, Tunisia was.org 2024
• No.16-18-20, DT743 Road, Song Than II Industrial Zone, Di An Ward, Di An City, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam • Tel: +84-274-3790811 (Ext: 1711) • Fax: +84-274-3790819 • Email: aquafeed@upvn.com.vn