In marine fish aquaculture, feed input plays a crucial role both economically and environmentally. Strategies that enhance feed quality and utilization are essential for healthy animal growth and minimizing environmental impact. One such strategy involves optimizing carbohydrate (CHO) utilization while sparing protein for growth. Zinpro® Chromium Methionine complex supplementation has emerged as a valuable tool to achieve these goals.
The Importance of Carbohydrates
While carbohydrates are not considered essential for fish nutrition, they are vital components in aquafeeds. CHO ensures good pellet binding, stability and floatability. However, fluctuations in ingredient supply and pricing have led to the need for cost-effective and flexible feeding strategies. Diversifying protein sources by reducing fish meal (FM) inclusion levels has been successful, but it can increase dietary CHO content. As the industry embraces sustainability concepts like a circular economy, novel ingredients may contribute additional carbohydrates to feeds.
Challenges of High CHO Levels
High CHO levels pose nutritional challenges for fish and shrimp, especially compared to land animals. Carnivorous fish, shaped by evolution, are adapted to rich protein and low carbohydrate diets due to their trophic level. Some fish species, such as salmonids and seabream, are glucose intolerant and experience prolonged hyperglycemia after consuming carbohydrate-rich meals, leading to unwanted metabolic consequences.
1. Impaired Glucose Balance and Poor Ability to Store Excess Glucose by Lipogenesis
2. Poor Use of Glucose as Energy Source.
3. Growth Retardation.
Upgrading Your Micronutrition Strategy with Zinpro Chromium Methionine
Dietary supplementation with Zinpro Chromium Methionine consistently improves feed utilization across various species, regardless of trophic level, temperature or salinity tolerance. This trace mineral supplement unlocks carbohydrates’ potential, enhancing feed efficiency and reducing the industry’s ecological footprint.
Case Studies: Atlantic Salmon and Gilthead Seabream
In recent studies, the effects of graded dietary levels of Zinpro Chromium Methionine on the growth performance and whole-body nutrient retention (including nitrogen and phosphorus) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) were evaluated. Four dietary treatments were examined: a diet without Zinpro chromium methionine supplementation (Control), and three other diets generated by supplementing the Control diet with Zinpro Chromium Methionine at increasing doses (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg/kg feed).
The results showed significant improvements in final body weight (FBW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) when salmon and gilthead seabream feeds were supplemented with Zinpro chromium methionine at 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg, respectively. FCR improvements were consistently observed in both species, with reductions of 6.7% in salmon and 6.9% in gilthead seabream (Figure 1). This indicates that Zinpro chromium methionine is effective across species and beneficial for fish with varying biological requirements.
Opportunities to Reduce Nitrogen and Phosphorus Excretion
Efficiently managing nutrient excretion is vital for responsible aquaculture practices and environmental compliance. Phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) are critical for fish growth and ecosystem stability. Since feed is the primary source of excreted N and P, enhancing nutrient retention is essential to prevent water pollution, algal blooms and disturbances in aquatic ecosystems. This is especially relevant in modern aquaculture, where plant-based ingredients may have reduced P bioavailability and protein digestibility.
Supplementing salmon feed with Zinpro Chromium Methionine at 0.2 ppm and gilthead seabream feed at 0.4 ppm significantly increased N retention by 6.9% and 15.4%, respectively. P retention also improved by 13% and 16% (Figure 2). Zinpro Chromium Methionine positively impacts performance and nutrient retention, likely due to improved glucose utilization, sparing protein for growth.
By optimizing growth, feed efficiency, and nutrient utilization, Zinpro Chromium Methionine supplementation benefits both the environment and profitability. Economic calculations show superior results in Atlantic salmon (6%) and gilthead seabream (10%) compared to the control group.
Partner with Zinpro to Elevate Your Fish Nutrition
Zinpro Chromium Methionine’s unique mode of action effectively improves carbohydrate utilization, leading to enhanced fish growth, feed efficiency and N and P retention. Implementing this strategy supports sustainability goals and profitability in aquaculture operations.
Stay ahead of the curve by maximizing your feed potential with Zinpro Chromium Methionine. Contact your Zinpro representative today.
*Note: Zinpro® Chromium Methionine is commercialized under the product names of Zinpro® Availa® Cr and Zinpro® MICROPLEX® depending on the country.
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