Multiple emulsification coating technology of probiotic aquatic feed
Fisheries Research Institute, COA
Ruey- Liang Chou (associate researcher)
Tel:886-8-832-4121 ext.257
Email:rlchou@mail.tfrin.gov.tw
Marhc 30, 2023
Aquaculture farmers have been raising the stocking density in order to increase the production value. Intensive feeding is done to accelerate their growth. This places heavy strains on the farmed species’ intestinal tracts, making them susceptible to enteritis. These health conditions are usually treated by supplying antibiotics mixed with the aquatic feed. The drug abuse is serious. Adding to that, some aquaculture farmers failed to comply with the regulations about the drug withdrawal period. Residues of drugs in the marketed product have been tested, posing severe dietary risks for consumers. Although antibiotics can inhibit pathogenic bacteria to prevent disease, under excessive and widespread use, several problems may occur. Some strains might develop drug resistance. There are also risks of reinfections. The problem of antibiotic residues has received widespread concern and worry in the international community. The European Union has prohibited the use of antibiotics as feed additives since 2006. Therefore, it is important to actively develop a safe and drug-residue-free culture model for marine fish and shrimp, and provide aquaculture farmers with sufficient guidance in order to enhance the production efficiency and make the industry sustainable.
Probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bacillus and others are effective biocides that can be added to aquatic feed to enhance the immunity of the farmed species. They have effects in disease prevention, which helped reduce the usage of drugs. The feed manufacturing process requires high temperature and high pressure. Probiotics cannot be added during the manufacturing process, and can only be dissolved in water. The solution will then be adsorbed into the surface of the feed, and the feed will be left to shade dry before being given to the farmed species. The method is time and effort consuming, and yet, it is likely that probiotics might be lost through the solving and absorbing process. Adding the Lactobacillus, L. mesenteroides B4, and Bacillus, Bacillus pumilus D5, our lab has researched and developed, to the aquatic feed can enhance the immunity of the farmed species and improve disease prevention. We had selected and mixed hydrophilic and lipophilic emulsifier to prepare a homogeneously dispersed multiple emulsion, and applied it to the commercial production coating of aquatic feed. It is tested that after 3 months of storage at room temperature, the plate count of the probiotics in the Healthy feed remained at 107. We believe we have found the best way to approach supplying the Healthy feed with multi-purposed compound microbial agents during the manufacturing process. We avoid destroying probiotic activity during the manufacturing process by using high temperatures and pressure. Applying the technology to the commercial production of aquatic feed made the feeding process convenient for the aquaculture farmers. Though evaluation on the effects of Healthy feed feeding in the White shrimp farming field experiment, it is evident that feeding White shrimp with the Healthy feed improves the harvesting, the survival rate of the White shrimp and the feed conversion ratio. It effectively reduces the risk and enhances the effectiveness in aquaculture.