Researchers at the University of Udine have developed new feeds for the breeding of Mediterranean fish species, in order to replace unsustainable foods, such as fishmeal and vegetable protein concentrates, with proteins deriving from both poultry industry meat waste and insects. Furthermore, to evaluate the reduction in the environmental impact obtained using these new feeds, the researchers applied the FiCIM (Fish Cage Integrated Model) mathematical model developed by Bluefarm srl, a company based in Veneto (NE Italy) specialising in precision aquaculture. The model uses a range of data, such as fish growth, oxygen demand and ammonia excretion rate, temperature, and so forth. Finally, the researchers verified that the economic performance of the new feeds is equivalent to that achieved with current commercial feeds and is expected to be improved shortly.
To know more:
A new generation of feed for Mediterranean fish species
Emilio Tibaldi, Tanja Segvic-Bubic, F. Mina, I. Lepen-Pleic, I. Buselic, J. Hrabar, I. Zuzul, L. Zuvic, Gloriana Cardinaletti
Roberto Pastres, Daniele Brigolin, Edouard Royer
From farming practices to carrying capacity: an integrated modeling approach
Roberto Pastres, Daniele Brigolin, Edouard Royer