African Aquaculture production is on the rise. This development is fuelled by an extension of the production surface and by the intensification of farming methods. The use of feed at different farming stage is more and more common in fish farms. Such feeds can be imported or locally manufactured.
This presentation will be about the quality of different fish meal (FM) found in feed mills operating in different feed mills producing aquaculture dedicated feeds in Sub-Saharan Africa. Developments toward the possible use of these meals in feed formulations for tilapia and catfish will be proposed in the conclusion.
Methods
Sampling and observations were made during audit and technical visit in 5 countries (Guinea, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda, Madagascar) and a total of 12 plants. Samples were then analysed both visually and chemically. Compositions are then compared with international standards. Results of close examinations are also discussed in a feed manufacture and formulation perspective.
Results
FM are almost always sold without any data sheet and the traceability of bags and batch is practically impossible. There is no information about fish species used.
Close and attentive examination of samples collected show that locally manufactured FM are obtained through a huge variety of process. Physical presentation of the products bought by feeds millers differ a lot. Some are made of raw dried fish when other are finely grinded. The presence of foreign bodies likely to cause technological and nutritional problems is frequent.
Fish meal manufactured and used in Sub-Saharan Africa are characterized by a low to very low level of protein and high to very high ash content. Fat content is generally low. In most cases, their amino acid profile does not differ too much from standards.
Observations and conclusion
FM found in factories operating in Sub-Saharan Africa are characterized by their medium to poor quality. They differ significantly from the standard used in the industry. Discrepancies are particularly important for protein and ash. Such characteristics are limiting the interest for their inclusion into the formulas. However due to the scarcity of protein rich raw material in most of these context they still constitutes an interesting ingredient for the formulators.