Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RASs) are becoming increasingly popular, not only for salmon, but also other species. Today, companies in all the world’s main production regions are increasingly looking to extend the use of RAS beyond the hatchery and early life stages to cover entire production cycles. Skretting upgrade to its facility at Lerang will primarily be focused on the process of recirculation – examining and optimising the whole system while taking into consideration inputs and outputs.
Meanwhile most of the research on alternative raw materials is likely to take place in Skretting’s Chilean research facility.
“Things have changed rapidly, from the early days of diets with only fishmeal and fish oil to now where Skretting has achieved full flexibility with regard to fishmeal with our FLX diets. We expect similar results in the near future from our investigations into fish oil alternatives,” says Alex Obach, Skretting ARC Managing Director.
Launched in 2016, Skretting’s FLX diets proved that equal health, growth and performance could be achieved using zero fishmeal in carefully formulated feeds. This work is now being progressed through investigation into additional alternative raw materials.
“Chile has the second largest salmon farming industry in the world. It is also able to use a different set of raw materials in its salmon feeds than Europe does, including land animal proteins. So it makes sense for Skretting to invest in research facilities in this region,” continues Obach.
"The Chilean facility will cover the entire production cycle, and focus on raw materials and challenges that directly affect the local industry," he adds.
In the interest of sharing knowledge and progressing the sector, both facilities will also explore possible collaborations with specialist research centres, universities and other stakeholders.
