Fishmeal and fish oil

Fishmeal

Fishmeal is an important and very digestible fish protein and fish oil ingredient in feeds and is used for the production of feed for aquaculture and agriculture.

Fishmeal consists in average of between 60-72% fish protein, 10-20% ash and 5-12% fish oil, which is high in the health promoting omega-3 very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA, often referred to as ‘omega-3s’. The rest is minerals and water.

Fishmeal has several nutritional qualities which makes it attractive as a protein supplement in feed for aquaculture and animal husbandry e.g. poultry, piglets, young calves/lambs, furred animals, pets as well as in fish and shrimps.

Fish oil

Fish oil is 100% marine oil and has a high content of very essential omega 3 fatty acids.

Fish oil is mainly used for the production of feed for farmed fish and in the production of refined fish oil for human consumption.

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA. These have been the subject of numerous studies showing they confer several health benefits which are well documented.

For more information read the report from Nordic Centre of Excellence Network in Fishmeal and Fish oil – click here

The golden standard of animal feeds

Fishmeal and fish oil stand unrivaled as the most invaluable components in the diets of both aquaculture and various terrestrial animals. Their composition of essential micronutrients, encompassing amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, plays a pivotal role in supporting optimal growth and physiological functions in animals and farmed fish, rendering fishmeal and fish oil irreplaceable in the realm of feed ingredients.

Key attributes of fishmeal and fish oil include:

High protein content ranging from 62-75%. Protein is key to growth and fishmeal is among the best available ingredients for protein. The protein in fishmeal is also highly digestible exceeding the majority of other animal feed ingredients for this factor, with values consistently around 90%.
Fish oil is a rich source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are crucial for promoting health and vitality. In addition, fishmeal usually contains 8-12% lipid and is therefore also a rich source of long chain omega-3s compared to other feed ingredients, barring fish oil itself.
Amino acids: Fish and animals have requirements for specific amino acids and they build proteins with combinations of about 22 amino acids. However, animals cannot make all 22 of these amino acids in their body and these amino acids are classified as “essential”. There are ten essential amino acids that must be contained in the diet. Fishmeal is well known for its essential amino acids it can provide to animals though its high palatability and digestibility characteristics
Marine phospholipids have drawn a great deal of interest recently as they are considered to have better resistance to oxidation, better bioavailability, and a higher content of ω-3 PUFAs than lipids from the same source. Therefore, supplementation of foods with ω-3 PUFAs rich PLs has recently emerged as a food supplement and pharmaceutical applications
Micronutrients: Furthermore, these ingredients boast a diverse array of essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and selenium, ensuring a well-rounded nutritional profile. The inclusion of vital vitamins—B1, B2, B6, and B12—further contributes to the comprehensive micronutrient profile of fishmeal and fish oil, enhancing their role as catalysts for physiological well-being in animals. Notably, these ingredients exhibit a comparatively high digestibility, enhancing their efficacy in supporting nutrient absorption and utilization within the digestive systems of diverse species.

Fishmeal and fish oil have long been recognized as valuable components in various industries, from aquaculture to animal nutrition and even human health. The rich nutritional profile of these marine products is attributed to their unique composition of essential fatty acids, proteins and micronutrients.

Derived primarily from short-lived species often overlooked for direct human consumption, alongside recycled trimmings from fish processing, fishmeal and fish oil offer a wealth of health benefits.

Protein-Rich Nutritional Powerhouses

Fishmeal’s distinction as a superior protein source stems from its rich and balanced amino acid profile. Comprising all essential amino acids required for optimal growth and development, fishmeal offers a complete and highly digestible protein source. The digestibility of fishmeal protein is a critical factor, as it ensures that the amino acids are efficiently absorbed and utilized by animals, promoting growth and enhancing metabolic efficiency.

Essential Fatty Acids for Human Health

Fish oil is renowned for its omega-3 fatty acid content. These essential fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play crucial roles in cardiovascular health, brain function, and anti-inflammatory processes. The Scientific literature consistently highlights the positive impact of omega-3 fatty acids on human health. EPA for its role in lower blood pressure, conferring anti-inflammatory effects on the cardiovascular system. Whilst DHA is a major structural component of the brain, playing a crucial role in cognitive development and maintenance.

Biological Preference and Performance

Studies elucidate the innate preference of aquatic species for diets enriched with fishmeal and fish oil, attributing this preference to the evolutionary adaptation to their natural diet. This preference translates into enhanced growth rates, improved feed conversion ratios, and heightened disease resistance, underscoring the pivotal role of these ingredients in maximizing aquaculture productivity and sustainability.

Environmental responsibility

The utilization of fishmeal and fish oil not only confers important nutritional and health benefits but also embodies a commitment to environmental responsibility and maintaining a low CO2 footprint. By maximizing the nutritional potential of underutilized fish species and valorizing by-products, these ingredients mitigate waste, promote resource efficiency, and contribute to the holistic sustainability of food production.