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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Athens, Georgia » U.S. National Poultry Research Center » Quality and Safety Assessment Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #272861

Title: The use of marine products in animal feeds

Author
item Holser, Ronald

Submitted to: International Symposium on Biocatalysis and Biotechnology: Functional Food and Industrial Products
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/21/2010
Publication Date: 11/17/2010
Citation: Holser, R.A. 2010. The use of marine products in animal feeds [abstract]. International Symposium on Biocatalysis and Biotechnology: Functional Food and Industrial Products. 2010 CDROM.

Interpretive Summary: Animal feeds represent a growing market for the nutrient rich by-products of marine fish and seafood processing. Fishmeal is one product obtained from fisheries that was traditionally used as a low-cost source of protein to supplement pig and poultry feeds. Fishmeal typically contains over 50 wt% crude protein and 5-10 wt% fat. Both of these components provide high nutritional value with a favorable distribution of essential amino acids and fatty acids for animal feeds. The polyunsaturated fats present in fish oil provide numerous health benefits including improved growth rates, nervous system development, and cardiovascular function. These benefits are well known among consumer who may take fish oil supplements themselves and appreciate the value of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids formulated into premium pet foods. The production of fishmeal by Peru, the leading exporter, has remained steady while the market demand increases. Fishmeal production for 2010 is projected to equal the 2009 production of 1.4 million tons. As a result of this disparity in supply and demand the cost of fishmeal has increased to record levels of approximately $2000/ton at the ports of China.

Technical Abstract: Animal feeds represent a growing market for the nutrient rich by-products of marine fish and seafood processing. Fishmeal is one product obtained from fisheries that was traditionally used as a low-cost source of protein to supplement pig and poultry feeds. Fishmeal typically contains over 50 wt% crude protein and 5-10 wt% fat. Both of these components provide high nutritional value with a favorable distribution of essential amino acids and fatty acids for animal feeds. The polyunsaturated fats present in fish oil provide numerous health benefits including improved growth rates, nervous system development, and cardiovascular function. These benefits are well known among consumer who may take fish oil supplements themselves and appreciate the value of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids formulated into premium pet foods. The production of fishmeal by Peru, the leading exporter, has remained steady while the market demand increases. Fishmeal production for 2010 is projected to equal the 2009 production of 1.4 million tons. As a result of this disparity in supply and demand the cost of fishmeal has increased to record levels of approximately $2000/ton at the ports of China.