Introduction
In 2022, INVE Aquaculture revolutionized the industry with the introduction of Natura pRo and Natura ExL, premium feed lines designed to reduce reliance on rotifers. This innovation results from decades of dedicated research and collaboration with the scientific community to understand marine larvae’s physiology and nutritional needs.
By reducing dependency on live prey, we improved the efficiency of larval rearing and create more sustainable practices. This innovation helps hatcheries maintain high standards of fish health and growth while ensuring consistent feed quality.
The development of the Natura feed line involved extensive research and testing. The feeds are designed to be attractive to larvae, with the proper particle size and behaviour in water to encourage capture and ingestion. Be easily digestible and assimilable by the larvae’s undeveloped digestive system. To be efficiently convert into energy to support proper growth and survival.
Trials conducted at INVE’s research center demonstrated that these feeds could significantly reduce the need for rotifers resulting in a reduction by up to 80% for sea bream and completely for sea bass when using the "Green Water Technique; without compromising the growth or survival rates of the larvae.
Materials and methods
Following the success in European hatcheries (Sea Bass and Sea Bream), the Natura feed strategy was tested on tropical species such as Barramundi, Yellowtail Amberjack, Snapper, and Totoaba. Over the past two years, INVE’s Technical Support Team has conducted commercial validation trials, tailoring feeding protocols to specific hatchery needs. This approach has confirmed the versatility and effectiveness of the Natura feed line across different species and hatchery conditions.
In all the experiments the treatments were Control (following the hatchery protocol) vs Natura protocol (developed by INVE TS to reduce Rotifer consumption using Natura).
Data collection and observations were related to Rotifers consumption, survival at first grading, length until first grading, deformity levels and Natura acceptance from first feeding.
Being the tests done in different geographical areas, the parameters of the larval rearing like stocking densities, thermo-photoperiod and grading were moving depending on the area and the fish species.
Results
The results were impressive, showing not only high levels of feed attractivity but also good fry quality, growth and survival rates, reduced cannibalism and better stress resistance compared to traditional feeding protocols.
In Natura protocol Rotifer consumption was reduced by 50 to 74% depending on the fish species, growth and survival were comparable with Control. Fish fed with Natura had similar or even better quality compared with Control.
Conclusions
Using Natura feeds in hatcheries worldwide has shown remarkable results. We have seen improved survival rates and growth in various species, and we’ve also reduced the environmental impact of live prey cultivation and helped the farmer in case of issue with the rotifer production. This progress is crucial for securing sustainable food sources for our growing global population and ensuring the long-term success of aquaculture operations.
Ongoing refinement of dietary formulations will improve digestibility, and understanding metabolic and biological processes will be crucial. This incremental approach aims to fully substitute live food, emphasizing the need for sustained research and innovative thinking to meet the demands of improved aquaculture practices.