A reference photo of trout fry. Extensive studies showed improved growth and other benefits in trout fry given feed with a 'fined-tuned' phospholipid content, says Aller Aqua. Photo: SAIC.

Phospholipid fine tuning benefits fry, says feed maker

Feed manufacturer Aller Aqua has found a new way of adding polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA’s) to fry feed which it says has been shown to deliver several benefits to the fish.

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“Extensive studies with trout fry at Aller Aqua Research and at a test farm, showed improved growth when fish were fed Aller Infa EX GR and Aller Futura EX GR, exceeding that of fish fed with major competing brands,” stated the Danish company in a press release.

“At the same time, fish fed with Aller Aqua fry feeds were more uniformly sized, showed no deformities and had lowered mortality down to 1% in trout fry up to 3g.”

Neurological development​

Aller Aqua said the importance of PUFA’s in the nutrition of larvae and fry is well-documented, and they had therefore been a focus area when developing fry feeds.

The form in which PUFA’s are included in the feed also mattered, and studies at Aller Aqua Research had shown the importance and benefits of improving and fine-tuning the content of marine phospholipids rich in PUFA’s in the company’s fry feed range.

Phospholipids, deriving from krill oil or purified fish oil, are essential for maintaining membrane homeostasis, gene expression, hormone synthesis, neurological development, and inflammatory response. PUFA’s presented as phospholipids are digested and metabolised more efficiently than PUFA’s in other lipid classes.

Lowered mortality

“We have found a new way of adding PUFA’s as phospholipids to fry feed which enhance the already positive benefits of these nutrients,” stated Aller Aqua. “In benchmark trials against major competing fry feed brands, Aller Aqua came out as the best option in terms of even fish sizing, no deformities and lowered mortality.

“We consider this another milestone in the evolution of fry feeds at Aller Aqua in the recent years, focusing on the needs of the fish and benefits for the farmer.

“The upgrade applies to all of Aller Aqua’s fry feeds, helping all of our fry feed customers to improved performance.”