ADDITIVES
SmartMoisture®: Improving cost and efficiency of aquafeed production Dr. Antonios Chalaris, Devenish
The global challenge of driving efficiencies Feed represents over 50% of the production cost in intensive aquaculture. Soaring ingredient and energy costs have resulted in significant feed price increases in recent years, and it seems highly unlikely that these will drop significantly anytime soon. Managing costs in aquafeed production is becoming increasingly important. Any strategy to reduce cost has to find a balance between optimal formulation cost and impact on production efficiency, while also maintaining feed quality, and fish and shrimp performance. A common but misunderstood component and one
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that has a direct impact on the cost and efficiency of aquaculture production is moisture management.
The role of moisture in aquafeeds Aquafeed requires high moisture addition during processing. Moisture is added at various stages of production to ensure optimal cooking and starch gelatinization for pellet binding and expansion which is important for post-extrusion oil addition and consistent pellet quality. Moisture extends its role to the safety of aquafeeds. Hot temperatures cause water to migrate during storage,
Aquafeed: Advances in Processing & Formulation Vol 15 Issue 4 2023