Feed maker offers diets for cleaner RAS
Skretting, the world’s largest supplier of specialised feeds for fish in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), has announced what it calls a new and improved “integrated concept” for RAS.
The updated RecircReady concept takes into account growth and waste prediction models, nutrient recycling, fish and system health monitoring, in addition to tailored feed solutions and their impact on the RAS themselves.
In a press release, the company said its dedicated feeds incorporate specific patented functional ingredients that bind faecal matter. In RAS this means it is easier to filter and remove solid waste particles, resulting in cleaner water and a healthier system.
“Skretting continues to lead advancements in this space. Our primary aim is to help farmers produce more fish in a more cost-effective and sustainable manner,” said Ingunn Stubhaug, a researcher at Skretting Aquaculture Research Centre (ARC).
Optimising filtration
The feeds are designed to improve faeces quality and optimise mechanical filtration; reduce the nutrient load on biofilters through balancing high-quality raw materials; and maximise fish growth potential and health.
Skretting said its “unparalleled” RAS capabilities were now supported by a new state-of-the-art recirculation hall at Skretting ARC’s Lerang Research Station in Norway, comprising 12 independent systems, predominantly conducting trials for salmon product development.
It is used to investigate the impact of feeds and formulations on the biological filters in RAS.
Specific requirements
“Many producers are looking for feed aligned with their own particular systems in terms of physical properties and behaviour,” said Stubhaug.
“In RAS, you want the feed to reach all of the fish. You also want it to be consumed or to exit the system as quickly as possible. Consequently, some farmers want slower-sinking feeds while others want diets that move faster. This is one of the unique challenges presented by RAS and an area in which we have had a lot of success over the last decade.
“There is a lot of diversity in closed containment aquaculture, and it’s essential that producers have the right support to meet their specific requirements.”
