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Advancing the future of aquafeed development

  • Nov 27, 2024

BioMar’s Tech Centre is a unique pilot-scale feed production facility that services our entire global R&D and production network, ensuring the high performance and quality of our innovative and sustainable aquaculture feeds.

Integrated into BioMar’s aquafeed production site in Brande, Denmark, BioMar’s Tech Centre is dedicated to the production of feed for research and process optimisation purposes. Our Tech Centre enables us in fulfilling this without disturbing our commercial feed production. Here, we evaluate variations of feed formulations to improve nutritional value and product quality, we test new ingredients and the processability of raw materials, and we test and optimise new process technologies. The Tech Centre produces more than 1000 different trial diets per year, in pellet sizes from 0.4 mm to 20 mm for various fish species and shrimp.

Core tasks of the Tech Centre include:

  • Producing multiple new test and development diets every day

  • Producing diets with novel raw materials

  • Evaluation of processability of new raw materials and products

  • Testing and optimising new production processes and equipment

Diets for research and development trials

To BioMar, it is vital to achieve reliable and useful test results that can be verified, validated and repeated in research trials. These are carried out at BioMar’s Aquaculture Technology Centres (ATC), our global trial and research facilities. Our ATCs are strategically located across the globe to facilitate trials with a focus on different species and aquaculture farming production conditions. The trial facilities experimentally resemble farm conditions while ensuring scientifically valid data extraction.

Trials at the ATCs range from systematic testing of raw materials to comparative performance trials of different feed types under a variety of different abiotic and disease conditions. Systematic deliverables of highly specific data refine modelling of nutrient flows in fish, shrimp, and environment, which form the basis for feed formulation software.BioMar’s experimental diets are formulated and produced to meet well defined parameters:

  • The nutritional requirements of the species farme

  • BioMar’s quality and performance specifications

  • BioMar R&D procedures and standards

Various tests are undertaken, to ensure that each recipe meets the required nutritional and physical quality parameters. We keep track of every feed recipe that is produced on the Tech Centre line with an individualised item number. Samples are collected from each batch and stored onsite for future reference. The Tech Centre has its own lab where several tests can be performed onsite. Samples can also be sent to a wide range of internal and external laboratory facilities for advanced nutritional and physical analysis. All results are collected and communicated to research and development scientists by the Tech Centre laboratory coordinator.

A foundation for feed performance

BioMar focuses on building world-class aquafeed production sites ensuring a solid basis for continuous improvements and knowledge sharing. To achieve best-in-class results, we invest in experimental facilities like the BioMar Tech Centre. It ties many of our projects together and contribute to the cohesiveness of our research. BioMar’s Tech Centre is a pilot plant in the tenth of the size of a normal feed factory. Thus, it is equipped with a variety of feed processing equipment. This allows for testing new ingredients in feed formulas including among other parameters evaluating their physical characteristics during processing.

Moreover, the Tech Centre allows for testing and optimising new production processes and production equipment prior to implementing new technologies into our commercial scale aquaculture feed production facilities.

All parts of the process are monitored by highly skilled production operators. They control pellet density, uniformity, and other essential physical pellet quality parameters. If at this stage any of the parameters are not being met, it is possible to make the required adjustments.

An essential prerequisite for high performance and quality

BioMar’s Tech Centre is an essential prerequisite for complying with our ambition for dedicated research and validation, prior to producing and commercializing our feeds. It services our entire global R&D and production network, ensuring the high performance and quality of our innovative and sustainable aquaculture feeds.

Results (60)

    • R&D

    BioMar explores ideal aquafeed for use in Waterborne Feeding for Salmon Farming

    The latest research from BioMar has shed light on the aquafeed challenges associated with waterborne feeding systems. This new feeding system technology is gaining traction amongst salmon farmers for its potential to reduce energy consumption, microplastic pollution, and sea lice exposure. While these systems offer promising benefits, BioMar has identified specific factors contributing to nutritional loss in feed delivered through submerged systems.

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    • R&D
    • Partnerships

    Celebrating 15 Years of Innovation: BioMar's Exclusive Partnership with Lallemand for BACTOCELL

    For over 15 years, we’ve been proud to partner with Lallemand, , a collaboration that has led to one of the most significant innovations in aquaculture: BACTOCELL (Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM I-4622). This powerful probiotic has played a key role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture production, benefiting farmers and the industry as a whole.

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    • Novel Ingredients
    • Climate Action

    Poultry Meal: A Sustainable Protein Source for Aquafeed

    Poultry meal is emerging as a valuable ingredient in aquafeed formulations, offering a circular protein and mineral source that supports the growth and development of farmed fish. Rich in essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, poultry meal is highly palatable and plays a crucial role in maintaining fish health and productivity.

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    • Novel Ingredients
    • Nutrition

    A Vital Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Sustainable Aquaculture

    Fish oil is a crucial ingredient in aquafeed formulations, valued for its unique nutritional composition, particularly its high levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These fatty acids are vital for the optimal growth, development, and overall well-being of farmed fish. Fish oil not only enhances feed conversion efficiency but also plays a significant role in supporting immune function, reproductive health, and the development of larvae and eggs in broodstock.

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    • Products
    • R&D

    Boosting hatchery success

    In marine fish larval rearing, the early stages are crucial for determining juvenile health, quality, robustness, and performance during on growing. This initial period is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including egg quality, environmental conditions, and feeding and nutrition.

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    • R&D

    ASC Feed Standard

    The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that operates a voluntary, independent third-party certification and labelling programme based on scientifically robust Standards.

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    • R&D
    • Novel Ingredients

    The Evolution of Nutrients in Aquafeeds

    Aquatic animals are highly adaptable, requiring around 40 essential nutrients that can be sourced from various raw materials, including marine ingredients, animal products, grains, and novel sources. This adaptability is crucial to the industry's growth and will allow for diverse feed formulations

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    • R&D
    • Novel Ingredients

    Whitefish Side-Stream Products as a Lower-Impact Alternative to Fishmeal in Atlantic Salmon Diets

    In the past, trimmings, viscera, and heads from fisheries were often discarded as waste. However, these side-stream products, are recognized as valuable resources that can contribute to sustainable aquaculture. While the utilization of pelagic fish side-stream products is well-established, side-stream products from whitefish remain underutilized.

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    • Novel Ingredients
    • Partnerships

    BioMar and Agronutris partner on the next generation insect meal

    After years of R&D, insect meal is now seen as a promising new ingredient on a clear pathway to being widely adopted.

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    • Novel Ingredients
    • Climate Action

    Better sourcing practice cuts emissions

    Sourcing raw materials for aquaculture has a significant impact on the environment, particularly when it comes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The extraction, processing, and transportation of these materials contribute substantially to emissions. However, better sourcing practices can help reduce these emissions, and a climate-friendly approach is key to ensuring sustainable aquaculture production.

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    • R&D

    The Importance of Starting Strong to Stay Strong

    Early developmental stages are a critical phase in any organism´s life that will determine its future. Marine Fish larvae are not an exception, during these early days, environmental conditions, feeding practices, and overall care will be fundamental for the success of the larval cycle and will substantially impact the subsequent ongrowing. What happens at the larval stage has a direct effect on growth, survival rates, and overall health throughout the whole production cycle. Providing the best possible start is key to ensuring healthy and high-performing fish.

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    • R&D

    BioMar inaugurates new Hatchery R&D facility

    BioMar’s Aquaculture Technology Centre at Hirtshals Denmark opened a new wing dedicated to research and development in the hatchery segment. The LARVIVA Hatchery Hub trial facility was officially opened by BioMar’s CEO Carlos Diaz.

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