Global aquaculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security worldwide. According to the 2016 report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations [1], aquaculture is expected to remain the fastest-growing agricultural sector in developing countries through 2025. This trend highlights aquaculture's pivotal role in addressing global food demands while fostering economic growth in regions where agriculture is a primary livelihood.
Notably, Brazil stands out in this context. The FAO report projects that Brazil could double its aquaculture production by 2025 [1]. Several factors contribute to this growth, including substantial investments by farmers, favorable climatic conditions, and advancements in research and technology. Additionally, innovations in animal nutrition, such as fortified feed supplements like BRF Ingredients' BioActio Health & Performance Hydrolysed Chicken Protein, play a critical role in enhancing productivity and sustainability within the industry.
According to the latest FAO report (2016) [1], global aquaculture production reached 73.8 million metric tons in 2016. Of this total, fish accounted for 49.8 million metric tons, followed by mollusks at 16.1 million metric tons, crustaceans at 6.9 million metric tons, and other aquatic organisms at 7.3 million metric tons. Fish farming alone constituted over 50% of the total output.
In Brazil, aquaculture has consistently grown since 2015, with a total production of 574,163 metric tons that year. Fish made up 69.9% of this total, shrimp 20.6%, mollusks 2%, and other species 0.1%. Notably, tilapia farming emerged as a standout sector, producing 20,193 metric tons in 2015, according to IBGE data [2]. By 2021, Brazil's fish production soared to an impressive 841,000 metric tons, as reported in the Anuário Peixe BR da Piscicultura 2022 [3].
Tilapia farming specifically experienced significant growth, expanding by 45% over eight years. In 2021, tilapia accounted for 63.5% of the total fish production, translating to over 534,000 metric tons. As noted by experts, the expansion of tilapia farming contributes not only to the growth of the aquaculture sector but also to advancements in other areas of animal husbandry, as tilapia serves as a valuable model organism for scientific research [4].
Despite these successes, the intensification of aquaculture presents challenges, particularly in optimizing animal nutrition. Farmers face the dual challenge of identifying nutritious, safe ingredients that offer multiple benefits to their species while ensuring cost-effective formulations. Traditionally, fishmeal has been the primary ingredient in fish farming due to its high nutritional value. However, fishmeal faces limitations, including rising costs and limited availability, along with environmental concerns related to waste accumulation in ponds.
Recognizing these issues, companies like BRF Ingredients have pioneered innovative solutions, such as BioActio Health & Performance Hydrolysed Chicken Protein. Produced through enzymatic hydrolysis, this ingredient offers numerous advantages, including improved digestibility and enhanced animal health. Unlike conventional fishmeal, BioActio's hydrolysed proteins generate minimal residues, reducing environmental pollution while promoting sustainable practices.
Scientific studies demonstrate the effectiveness of BioActio in improving tilapia performance. For instance, incorporating BioActio into tilapia diets during the post-larval stage boosts survival rates by 12% and enhances final body weight by 23% in the post-larval phase and 35% in the fingerling phase [5]. Furthermore, the inclusion of BioActio reduces feed conversion ratios by 39% in fingerlings, resulting in significant economic benefits for farmers. These improvements translate into higher-quality fish with increased fillet yields—up to 11% higher—and greater overall profitability.
Looking ahead, the integration of BioActio into aquaculture practices aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing sustainability and resource efficiency. By repurposing animal byproducts, manufacturers reduce waste while creating value-added ingredients that surpass traditional alternatives like fishmeal. Researchers emphasize that this approach not only addresses ecological concerns but also enhances economic viability [6][7].
As the aquaculture sector continues to evolve, innovations like BioActio Health & Performance Hydrolysed Chicken Protein will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping its future. To learn more about how BRF Ingredients' formulations can benefit your operation, contact one of our experts today.
References
[1] FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture. Rome, 2016. Available at: https://www.fao.org/3/i6030e/i6030e.pdf. Accessed January 2023.
[2] Carvalho Filho, J. Know the numbers of the 2015 aquaculture production. Panorama da AQÜICULTURA Review. Available at: IBGE: Know the numbers of the 2015 aquaculture production | Panorama da Aqüicultura Review (panoramadaaquicultura.com.br). Accessed January 2023.
[3] Anuário Peixe BR da Piscicultura 2022: https://www.peixebr.com.br/anuario2022/
[4] Rocha, J. D. M. Hydrolyzed chicken protein for Nile tilapia: digestibility and productive performance 2018. Available at: TEDE: Hydrolyzed chicken protein for Nile tilapia: digestibility and productive performance (unioeste.br). Accessed January 2023.
[5] SOARES, M. Evaluation of protein hydrolysates from chicken and pork by-products in Pacific white shrimp nutrition. Thesis (Doctorate in Aquaculture) – Center for Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina. Florianópolis, pp. 99. 2019. Available at: https://repositorio.ufsc.br/bitstream/handle/123456789/215699/PAQI0572-T.pdf?sequence=-1&isAllowed=y. Accessed January 2023.
[6] MORA, L., REIG, M., TOLDRÃ, F. (2016) Bioactive peptides generated from meat industry by-products. Food Research International, v.65, p.344-349.
[7] Mullen et al. (2017), MULLEN, A. M., ÃLVAREZ, C., ZEUGOLIS, D. I., HENCHION, M., O'NEILL, E., DRUMMOND, L. (2017) Alternative uses for co-products: Harnessing the potential of valuable compounds from meat processing chains. Meat Science, v.132, p.90-98.
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