BioMar launches first probiotic feed range

Denmark-based fish feed producer BioMar has launched its first feed range with probiotic bacteria, which aims to help hatcheries reduce deformities in fish larvae and fry.

The use of probiotics is common in animal feed and in consumer food products, but was recently approved for use in all fish species in the European Union due to the benefits from utilizing probiotics — especially in reducing the risk of deformities in salmonids. Deformities can lead to reduced fish welfare, higher mortality, waste in fish processing and economic losses.

Probiotics in general act through regulating the intestinal microflora balance. The intestinal microflora balance is important both for the optimal digestion of nutrients and for regulating the growth of unwanted bacteria in the intestine of the fish.

Trials completed by BioMar and its partners have shown a positive impact on metabolism including the digestion of dry matter and on reducing the risk of gastroenteritis. There have been major outbreaks of the disease in several European countries in recent years.

“Our research has shown that the use of probiotics in feed for salmonids can have significant impact on fish health and thereby the economic performance of fish farming. At the same time the use of probiotics has also important environmental benefits as they can reduce the necessity of medication. Thereby the risk of residues left in the environment is reduced,” said Ole Christensen, BioMar R&D manager.

“In order to achieve the best results the probiotic must be utilized from first feeding, and this is also the reason that the first feed types with probiotics will be fry feeds. The probiotic will be included in a new high performance fry feed concept, which will be launched by the start of the new season, but we expect that probiotics could become an important element in many new feed types over the coming years — this could both be in high performance grower feeds or in special health concepts.”

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