The purchasing and specification of aquaculture feeds is a complex issue. Decision-making is based on a combination of forward pricing together with a demand for quality (principally freshness) and the specification of the material required (depending upon the age, species and their special dietary needs), usability (i.e. based upon the suitability for the miller’s machinery.

Within the UK Scotland is responsible for approximately 90% of all UK aquaculture production and ranks third in the world producers of Atlantic salmon, after Norway and Chile.

Research, supported by the key technological developments, raw material usage, market trends and reports on a full cross-section of feeding matters influence the structure and efficient operation of this rapidly expanding industry today.

The processing of raw materials and other ingredients, including micro-ingredients, in the production of aquafeeds is increasingly influenced by requirements for sustainable fish feed. The requirement for ingredient traceability is changing through the Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS) that demands full traceability of feed materials. Nutritional Performance noting seasonal and stock-related characteristics may mean that certain less sustainable meals are either superior in quality or may only be available for a certain period when more sustainable stocks are closed or fully utilised.

With nutrition representing 40 – 50% of the production costs the development of new, balanced commercial diets that promote optimal fish growth and health and new species-specific diet formulations supports the aquaculture industry as it expands to satisfy increasing demand for affordable, safe, and high-quality fish and seafood products.

Sciantec has worked closely with the sector for a number of years and have developed methodologies for to satisfy the advances of the aquaculture industry.

Analysis includes:

• Nutritional analysis
• Heavy metals
• Canthaxanthin
• Astaxanthin
• Contaminants
• Microbiology