Aquafeed R&D
AFT is performing its own research center to develop products and technology which would improve the performance and sustainability of shrimp farming. We also provide contract feed research for other customers worldwide. Our research system can be used for salt and fresh water species with different temperatures.
For these species we can do research:
- Shrimp (P vannamei, P monodon, P japonicus)
- Tilapia
Other fish and crustacean species on request.
Feed Trials
Comparative Feed Trials can be supervised by AFT and our partners.The following services are offered:
- Design of the experimental protocol
- Production of small batches of experimental diets (cold extrusion, pelleting, extrusion, semi-moist, vacuum coating, crumbling and sieving)
- Feed growth and feeding conversion ratio trials
- Attractability tests
- Draft of report and/or publication in sector magazine possible
Other additional specific analysis can be done in combination with other labs:
Leaching, digestibility ( in vitro or in vivo), immune response and challenge tests. We provide the possibility to visit the facility during trial. Feed trials in bigger ponds can be organized on request.
We have 20 nets of 100 L available every net is equipped with a 24 hours belt feeder. These nets can be submerged into two different tanks. We can use different salinity’s and water temperature. Every tank is equipped with a water filtration system based on RAS technique for maintaining water quality with or without bio-flocs.
We also have 20 smaller tanks available with each 200 L volume. Each tank have is own automatic feeder. These 20 smaller tanks are equipped with central water filtration system based on RAS technique for maintaining water quality with or without bio-flocs.
Feed Analyses
Apart from traditional gross composition, we can perform the following analysis:
Leaching and water uptake: overall leaching, leaching of specific substances.
- Size distribution of meal and pellets
- Air classification
- Potential of vacuum coating - Shelve life
- Protein hydrolysis and digestibility
Some reference of research done:
- Contract feed research on the influence of phosphate source on growth of P.Vannamei at low salinity
- Contract feed research for the utilisation of hemoglobin powder in P. Vannamei shrimp feed
- Contract feed research with a diet without marine proteins for P. Vannamei shrimp
- Contract feed research for the utilisation of seaweeds extracts in P. Monodon shrimp
- Water stability, attractability and palatability test for spray dried Hemoglobin powder (HGP)
- Contract research for the utilisation of seaweeds extracts and diet without marine protiens in P. Vannamei shrimp feed, growth and taste test.
- Attractability and palatability test for krill products