Fishes / aquaculture

Intensive aquaculture systems require precise nutritional strategies to ensure success. The formulation of aquafeeds extends beyond basic macro and micronutrients; it involves the strategic use of additives to address specific challenges inherent in aquatic production. These additives are essential tools for:

  • maintaining feed integrity
  • supporting animal physiology
  • and ultimately improving performances and health in farmed fish and shrimp.

Feed preservation and nutritional value

The high lipid and protein content in aquafeeds makes them susceptible to rapid degradation, including microbial spoilage and oxidative rancidity. This deterioration compromises nutritional quality and can introduce harmful substances into the diet. Effective feed preservation is the first line of defense. The inclusion of organic acid blends and specific botanicals inhibits the growth of spoilage bacteria and molds, safeguarding the feed’s nutritional value from the manufacturing plant to the point of consumption. By ensuring the feed delivered to the animals is clean and nutritionally intact, we lay the foundation for optimal growth and feed conversion.

 

Supporting intestinal integrity and function

The gut is a critical interface for nutrient absorption and a primary barrier against pathogens. The intestinal environment of aquatic species is constantly challenged by diet composition and environmental pressures. Feed additives are pivotal in maintaining a healthy gut equilibrium. Technologies designed for targeted intestinal release, such as the microencapsulated organic acids and nature-identical compounds found in solutions like AquaPlus®, help manage the gut microbiota. This support for a balanced intestinal environment reinforces the gut barrier, enhances nutrient absorption, and contributes directly to improving performances and health. This is particularly crucial in shrimp, where a robust digestive system is key to managing bacterial challenges. Products like Aviplus® Aqua (for Shrimps) are developed to provide this targeted support.

 

Enhancing the animal’s resilience

Aquatic farming is defined by exposure to numerous unavoidable stressors, including handling, grading, high stocking densities, and fluctuations in water quality. This stress directly compromises the immune system, leaving animals vulnerable to opportunistic pathogens. A key function of modern feed additives is to enhance the animal’s resilience. By supporting gut health and ensuring optimal nutrient delivery, these additives help animals better cope with physiological challenges. This proactive nutritional approach:

  • minimizes the negative effects of stress
  • reduces susceptibility to disease
  • and improves survival rates,

leading to more predictable and profitable production cycles.

Latest articles from the Press Room

  • Microencapsulated Botanicals and Organic Acids Improve Immune Status and Growth in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

    Caruso et al., (2026). Aquac. Nutr. 7:2026:4213038
  • 15 Years of AviPlus®: A Concept That Changed Animal Nutrition

    Fifteen years ago, the first EFSA authorization of AviPlus® marked the beginning of something entirely new.
  • Survival Response of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) to Piscirickettsia salmonis Under Dietary Thymol-Based Additive Supplementation

    Ruiz et al., (2025). Latin American & Caribbean Aquaculture 2025