Explore

Communities in English

Advertise on Engormix

Aquaculture: Most efficient system for obtaining animal protein

Published: October 7, 2016
Source : www.plenglish.com
"Aquaculture is today the most efficient system for obtaining animal protein", said official FAO Subregional Headquarters for Mesoamerica, Carlos Eduardo Pulgarín.
 
"Through this practice, a ton of animal protein can be obtained in less space than that needed with cattle", the expert from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) told agence Prensa Latina.

"We need more protein and fish also brings us more fatty acids, essential for the growth of children. It also allows older people to improve their circulatory system", he added.

Pulgarín is in Cuba for the beginning of the FAO TCP/CUB/3501 project "Establishment and Implementation of a Genetic Improvement Program for Freshwater Fish", which started this week in Havana with a two-week workshop for specialists, researchers and officials related to this sector.
Source
www.plenglish.com
Recommend
Comment
Share
Cies Roskam
ProEnto
18 de octubre de 2016

I agree that aquaculture is an efficient system to produce large quantities of animal protein for human consumption. But the quality and type of the feed is an important factor. As long as fish meal and fish oils are used, it might be efficient, but definitely not sustainable. The focus should not be "efficient" but "sustainable and efficient" aquaculture. I see no reason why these cannot be combined.
The FAO is reporting about these issues for several years and states that the use of insects is one of the most sustainable solutions to produce (animal) proteins for animal feed.

And I completely agree with that...
Solve waste problems, produce insects without the use of land, water, fertilizers & pesticides and use the insects as an alternative for fish meal. It´s sustainable, possible and proven. And from a nutrient perspective, it is a very efficient system when organic residues are being used and converted into proteins, oils and fertilizers.

Therefore I would like to conclude with: insect production is the most efficient system to obtain animal protein.

Recommend
Reply
Elen1420
18 de octubre de 2016
Of course, the quality of animal protein fish depends on the fish food. But not only. You must know the mechanisms of fish growth. Postnatal growth of fish accompanied by processes of hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Feed should be specifics for each stage of growth. Hypertrophy-one feed. Hyperplasia - other food.
Recommend
Reply
Carlos Hamilton
12 de octubre de 2016

Agree with the topic. That is true, because of my experience two decade ago. But now the problem is to get high quality feed in order to take advantage of the improved tilapia potencial for growing fast. For example, with good quality feed plus algae, in 3 to 6 months, you can produce fish of 450 grams at all, with good management. I got this experiencie, in a big farm of 49 hectare.

Recommend
Reply
Anthony Mwangi
12 de octubre de 2016
In Central Kenya one of the key challenges facing the growth of aquaculture is access to quality feeds. A kilo of imported tilapia grower feeds goes for USD1.8 making it difficult for farmers to venture into this fast growing food industry.
Recommend
Reply
Gina Libik
11 de octubre de 2016
Other questions are to do with how and where the protein component of aquaculture feed to pelagic and other carnivorous species is produced. I am aware that some can come from algae, but some literature suggests that palatability can be a problem with algae.
Recommend
Reply
Gabriel Aguilar Bustilo
11 de octubre de 2016
Hi, I am starting in Aquaculture in Tilapia Geomembrane Tanqs.. cap, 25,000 lits each.....want to develop 30 tanqs....any experience you would like to share in regard of ratio of development with consumtion feeds..??
Recommend
Reply
Barry Brown
11 de octubre de 2016
Hi, with the bad rap tilapia aquaculture is getting in the media , especially in Asia, leaves alot to be desired where the viability of small farmers is impacted. Here in St. Kitts we have perfected the science of growing tilapia in full strength Atlantic seawater. In addition the fish is grown in Geomembrane lined tanks. This is practised in an intermitent one-way flow through system. The question of obtaining animal protein may only be in the quality of fish feed. Are there other factors? Dr. Barry Brown barbron@sisterisles.kn
Recommend
Reply
Barry Cohen
Barry Cohen
11 de octubre de 2016
Algae can be used for fish feed using good quality water in closed-loop photobiorectors or tanks. Cattle have been fed an algae mix to thousands of cattle in the US with good results. Samples with COA's are available. For information: barry@nationalalgaeassociation.com
Recommend
Reply
Profile picture
Would you like to discuss another topic? Create a new post to engage with experts in the community.
Featured users in Aquaculture
Chris Beattie
Chris Beattie
MSD - Merck Animal Health
Global Head of Aquaculture at Merck Animal Health
United States
Jorge Arias
Jorge Arias
Alltech
United States
Gary J. Burtle
Gary J. Burtle
University of Georgia
University of Georgia
Associate Professor/Extension Specialist
United States
Join Engormix and be part of the largest agribusiness social network in the world.