ADVANTAGES OF USING FISHMEAL IN ANIMAL FEEDS

Natural and sustainable, fishmeal provides a concentrated source of high quality protein
and a fat rich in omega-3 fatty acid, DHA and EPA.
PROTEIN: The protein in fishmeal has a high proportion of essential amino acids in a
highly digestible form, particularly methionine plus cistine, lysine, threonine and
tryptophan. Present in the natural peptide form, they can be used with high efficiency to
improve overall balance of dietary essential amino acids.
FAT: The fat will generally improve the balance of fatty acids in the feed to restore the
ratio of omega-6: omega-3 forms towards 5:1; which is believed to be optimum; in the
fat in many diets currently this ratio is considerably higher. With the optimum ratio and
omega-3 fatty acids provided as DHA and EPA, general health of the animal is
improved, especially where there is to be less dependence on routine medication.
A dietary source of DHA and EPA results in their deposition in animal products. This in
turn will help to balance omega-6: omega-3 ratios in the human diets and provide preformed DHA and EPA required for infant development and for prevention of numerous
disorders of the circulatory system, the immune system and to reduce inflammatory
conditions.
ENERGY: Fishmeal is a concentrated energy source. With 70% to 80% of the product
in the form of digestible protein and fat its energy content is higher than of many other
proteins.
MINERALS AND VITAMINS: Fishmeal has a relatively high content of minerals such as
phosphorus, in form with good availability to the animal. It also has a wide range of
trace elements. Vitamins too are present at relatively high levels B complex vitamins,
including choline, biotin and vitamin B12 as well as A and D.

BENEFITS OF FISH MEAL FEEDING

POULTRY (BROILERS):

Faster growth and better-feed conversion giving lower production costs.

Improved immunity and less loss of performance from disease challenge,

including vaccines.

Better results in the absence of routine dietary medication.

Better development of nervous system and bone structure etc.

Fewer losses form carcass condemnations due to sepsis, inflammation, cellulitis

etc.

Changes composition of fat in meat with incorporation of low levels of long chain
omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA). More effective than any other ingredients in
doing so. Results in meat with a better fatty acid make-up in terms of omega-3:
omega 6 ratio and presence of DHA and EPA, without compromising meat
quality.

BREEDING BIRDS/LAYERS:

Higher productivity.

Better disease resistance.

Improved fertility both in males and females.

Nutritional value of eggs for humans improved through deposition of the omega3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.

PIGS:

Faster growth especially early weaned pigs.

Improved feed conversion.

Lower allergenic reaction in early-weaned pigs compared with other non-milk

proteins.

Improved disease resistance especially for pigs fed diets without medication.

Improved fertility more pigs born.

Improved composition of fat in meat DHA and EPA deposited in the meat.

RUMINANTS:

In the ruminant fishmeal provides dietary protein and fat, which is subject to less
change in the rumen than from other raw materials. The high quality protein
escaping rumen degradation can provide limiting amino acids for digestion
beyond the rumen, improving the balance of the amino acids absorbed from the
intestine.

The protein degraded in the rumen improves fibre digestion. Productivity

increases as a consequence.

The long chain omega fatty acids in fishmeal partly escape hydrogenation in the
rumen. They contribute to fatty acid uptake. Fertility, development of the embryo
and newborn are improved and disease resistance is improved. The benefits of
fishmeal feeding are as follows:

DAIRY COWS:

Higher milk yields increases typically 1 to 2 litres per day.

Milk protein content increased typically by 0.1 to 0.2% units.

High levels (1 kg or above) may depress milk fat important for health conscious
consumers.

Fertility, especially conception rate improved typically by 10 to 15% units.

BEEF CATTLE:

Faster growth.

Increases levels of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA + EPA) deposited in meat. Whilst
meat from grass fed beef has low levels present other meat does not fishmeal
feeding will boost this.

Improved utilisation of high forage diets.

SHEEP:

Improve fertility.

Faster lamb growth.

Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA+EPA) deposited in the meat.

Improved utilisation of high forage diets.

Can slim over fat lambs.

SOURCE: IFOMA

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