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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #236820

Title: Nitrogen utilization from poultry processing co-products used in diets for Florida pompano

Author
item Riche, Martin
item Pfeiffer, Tim

Submitted to: American Oil Chemists' Society Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2009
Publication Date: 5/3/2009
Citation: Riche, M.A., Pfeiffer, T.J. 2009. Nitrogen utilization from poultry processing co-products used in diets for Florida pompano [abstract]. 100th American Oil Chemists' Society Meeting, May 3-6, 2009, Orlando, Florida. p.129.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Feed represents the highest variable cost associated with fish production. High quality fishmeal (FM) continues to be the principal source of protein for fish, particularly carnivorous species that typically have dietary protein requirements of 40% or more. FM continues to be an expensive protein, with tight supplies when available, and little relief in sight. Replacement of FM with alternative protein sources will increase sustainability and profitability of the aquaculture industry. At the NOAA-USDA Alternative Feeds Initiative stakeholder’s meeting in April 2008, poultry processing co-products were identified as top-tier candidates for evaluation as FM replacements in aquafeeds. However, one constraint to greater utilization of these co-products is the observed high variation in both quality and digestibility. It is well established processing conditions can affect amino acid availability in rendered products, and chemical composition and protein digestibility vary by product source. The goal of food fish production is the efficient conversion of dietary protein, measured as nitrogen (N), into salable fish flesh. This presentation reports on protein digestibility, amino acid availability, N excretion, and N retention in Florida pompano fed diets substituting five different poultry processing co-products as partial FM replacements.