These results have numerous benefits for major farming industries.
A new, all natural, patented feed additive, derived from the sugarcane plant Saccharum officinarum has recently been independently tested in a commercial fish and shrimp farm.
The feed additive, known as Polygain™, is a natural, non antibiotic based growth improver, created and manufactured by Australian company, The Product Makers (TPM).
The trials were conducted by Dr. SK. Ahmad-Al-Nahid, Head, Department of Fisheries, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Bangladesh.
The trial has generated significant interest from shrimp and fisheries departments around the world. According to experts, Polygain™ presents opportunities to increase the value and volume of farm animals within the fish, poultry, cattle and equine industries.
Dr Nahid & his team of experts carried out extensive dose response trials on three prominent aqua species, Pangus Cat fish (Pangasius hypophthalmus), Tilapia Nile Perch (Oreochromis niloticus) and Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii).
The fish were fed their regular food, which included differing amounts of TPM’s Polygain™ polyphenol based feed additive.
Initial Findings
As a result of adding controlled levels of Polygain™ into the fish feed, the independent trial revealed:
- Improvement in feed conversion ratio: TPM feed additive produced yields of 1kg shrimp for 1.15 kg feed including Polygain™ additive, as opposed to 1kg shrimp for 1.6kg using standard feed.
- Larger shrimp and fish: Dr Nahids trials identified the important addition rate of the feed additives for each of the trailed species. The optimum addition rate was determined after carrying out extensive dose response trials.
- Taste & Flavour: Raw clean fish were examined for flesh colour, odour and texture. Fillets were cooked and tasted by experienced panellists. They concluded that the Polygain™ treated cooked fish were tastier and had no undesirable flavours or odour.
- Attractant: Polygain™ appeared to attract all species of aqua trialled, which can be attributed as a factor in the improved growth rates observed.
- Residue Polygain™ appeared to reduce feed wastage and deterioration of water quality. No feed residues were left in the Polygain™ treated fish cage or tank compared with the control.
- Cleaner environment: TPM’s feed additive also provides shrimp and fish farmers with a clean, natural label, that improves the both export potential and value.
The results of these trials were presented by Dr Nahid & his team of experts at the recent “Australian Fish & Feed Additive Seminar’, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The seminar was organised by The Product Makers, in partnership with The Australian Trade & Investment Commission (AUSTRADE), Australian Government & TPM’s local Bangladesh partner Banga Flavours & Fragrance.
The seminar was attended by more than 35 leading animal feed pellet manufactures, shrimp and fish farmers. Speaking about the trials, Dr. SK. Ahmad-Al-Nahid, said “The industry has been looking for a natural non antibiotic based growth improver and this has the potential to expand the value and volume of exports for Bangladesh, the world’s 4th largest aquaculture country”. He added “The aim of the University trials, were to confirm the suitability of natural polyphenol product in commercial fish and prawn pellets used at low doses.”
Recent trials with other fish species by commercial operations in Bangladesh, have confirmed these initial findings. TPM is also collaborating with James Cook University, by conducting additional feed trials on Tiger prawns.
Ongoing benefits
According to Shane Mitchell, CEO, The Product Makers Pty Ltd, “Demand for fish and shrimp is growing at an extremely high rate. These are exciting times ahead for the aquaculture feed industry. TPM are ready to support the stock feed industry and the farmers to assist them in meeting the global need for protein sources, including fish and shrimp.”
Polygain™ can also be added to a range of stock feeds to naturally improve Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and live weight gain. This innovation also presents new opportunities to major animal industries including equine, poultry, cattle and pet food.
Orders of Polygain™ are already being exported and TPM are investing in expansion of their Polygain™ production facilities in far North Queensland, to meet future demand.
For more details, speak with us.