The strong external dependency of the EU for essential raw matters required in the nutrition of aquatic species such as soymeal, fish meal and fish oil make the recycling of locally available, nutritionally valuable waste by-products a central strategy for the European goal of sustainable animal production. Since 2005, the international prices of fish meal, fish oil, soybean meal, corn and wheat rose by 55, 67, 284, 225 and 180 percent, respectively.
Acuinuga’s Nutrition Division is carrying out a Project targeting the production of technical aquafeed incorporating locally generated waste raw matters, building on a novel processing strategy. Co-drying through the blending of wet (>70% humidity) and dry (<10% humidity) nutritionally valuable waste prior to flash processing is at the core of this strategy. Formulae are calculated on the basis of specific blends of a range of locally available raw matters (mussel waste, fish waste, brewery waste, DDGs, cephalopod waste, algae meal, local crops etc.) designed to produce the highest quality compound meal to any stage up to that required before pelletizing. The implementation of this novel processing technology allows for a reduction in energy requirements, faster processing times, increased production capacity and more profitable management costs, resulting in a more competitive product with a much reduced carbon footprint, while maintaining the required operational flexibility for the treatment of a heterogeneous range of organic waste products.
The Project also addresses the comprehensive traceability of all ingredients included in this unique aquafeed in order to adhere to strict eco-certification monitoring standards. The integration of this novel processing strategy within a production environment aimed at the expansion of the farming of low trophic level fish (herbivorous or omnivorous species), allowing for the reduction of fish meal and fish oil in feed, the development of integrated farming systems (polyculture) and the promotion of environmentally sound resource management practices are key elements of our approach.
The ultimate aim is the demonstration that seafood waste can be recycled into high-value animal feeds, maintaining European quality standards, and sustaining profitable operations capable of generating wealth and jobs locally.