Fry feed
R&D
09.10.2020
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Feeding fry for faster growth and lower mortality

Fast growing healthy fish are the foundation of every successful fish farm. This is especially true for newly hatched larvae and fry that are vulnerable to stressors and nutrient deficiencies, leading to early mortality, deformities, and delayed growth. Fish larvae and fry require high levels of essential nutrients at their underdeveloped stages for their current and future well-being. Farmers require uniformly sized larvae and fry, with low mortality, no deformities and fast growth.

THE SCIENCE

The importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the nutrition of larvae and fry is well-documented, and PUFA’s have therefore been a focus area when developing fry feeds at Aller Aqua. Similarly, the form in which PUFA’s are included in the feed has gained much attention. Recent research at Aller Aqua Research has shown the importance and benefits of improving and fine-tuning the content of marine phospholipids rich in PUFA’s in Aller Aqua’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.

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. 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.


THE SHORT VERSION

We have found a new way of adding PUFA’s as phospholipids to fry feed which enhance the already positive benefits of these nutrients. 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 recent years, focussing 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.