This article was first published in International Aqua Feed Magazine Aug 2024
Turning Waste into Wealth: The Sustainable Innovation in Aquafeed
In an era of increasing environmental awareness and food security concerns, innovative solutions in animal feed production are essential. Gain PRO, a feed additive from ProChaete, is setting new standards in sustainability and nutrition. OddGeir Oddsen, Managing Director of ProChaete, passionately champions Gain PRO, emphasizing its importance in today’s food production landscape.
“I hope that feed manufacturers will discover the positive effects of Gain Pro and that it will inspire them to use by-products more effectively." OddGeir Oddsen, managing director of ProChaete, explaining the benefits of shrimp by-products.
Full Circle: From Waste to Resource
As the global population grows and climate change presents significant challenges, the efficient use of resources has become more crucial than ever. One stark example of inefficiency is shrimp farming, where typically only half of the shrimp—primarily the meat—is consumed, while the rest, such as heads and shells, is discarded as waste. This represents not just a financial loss but an environmental one, as valuable resources are needlessly wasted.
Oddsen highlights the philosophy behind Gain PRO: “When you eat shrimp, you only eat about half of it. The rest (head and shell) is usually discarded. By-products of shrimp farming are regarded as waste – which means you’re throwing away half of your product. That’s just bad business, both for the company and the planet.”
Gain PRO exemplifies ProChaete’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. This feed additive is derived from shrimp by-products, transforming what was once waste into a valuable resource. The powder is fresh, made from heads and shells collected promptly after shrimp processing to prevent nutrient loss due to fermentation and rot. This approach not only mitigates waste but also provides a high-quality protein source for fish and animal feed.
“Shrimp deteriorates quickly, especially in hot climates. Fermentation and rot start almost immediately, causing a loss of nutrients. But if you collect the heads and shells while they’re still fresh, you have a raw material that is a valuable and versatile resource for feed manufacturers,” says Oddsen.
Fresh, Functional, and Future-Proof
Gain PRO stands out in the feed market not just for its sustainable sourcing but for its exceptional nutritional profile. It is rich in essential minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and natural pigments. These components are crucial for the health and growth of fish and other animals. Additionally, Gain PRO has a probiotic effect, enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to healthier and more robust animals.
Oddsen is optimistic about the broader implications of Gain PRO, “I hope that feed manufacturers will discover the positive effects of Gain Pro and that it will inspire them to use by-products more effectively. While Gain PRO is a great product, the solution to more sustainable food production is something that requires a collective effort across the entire business.”
The benefits of Gain PRO extend beyond just sustainability and nutrition. Studies conducted by the University of Texas A&M and Sea Farms Nutrition Ltd have shown significant performance boosts in animals fed with Gain PRO. In growth trials with Tilapia, the inclusion of super fresh shrimp by-products processed gently and added to the feed resulted in marked improvements in growth and feed efficiency.
The trials demonstrated that using Gain PRO up to five percent in animal feed significantly enhances growth and feed conversion ratios (FCR), with the feed being utilized more efficiently. Specific Growth Rate (SGR) also saw improvements, indicating better overall performance and health of the animals.
Gain more
Gain PRO’s benefits are multifaceted. It improves the immune system of animals, leading to better survival rates and weight gain. The additive’s great taste results in higher feed intake, which in turn increases biomass production. The use of fresh ingredients ensures maximum nutritional benefits, contributing to a more sustainable industry by utilizing shrimp residuals that would otherwise be wasted. Additionally, Gain PRO’s high protein and low ash content make it a premium ingredient for feed manufacturers.
In conclusion, Gain PRO represents a significant step forward in the feed industry, combining sustainability with superior nutritional value. By transforming shrimp by-products into a high-quality feed additive, ProChaete is addressing critical issues of waste and resource efficiency.
As Oddsen envisions, the wider adoption of such innovative solutions is essential for achieving more sustainable and efficient food production systems. Through collective effort and commitment to innovation, the feed industry can contribute to a healthier planet and a more secure food future.
