Nexus SKRETTING RAW MATERIAL FLEXIBILITY IS KEY PREMIUM FOR FRESHWATER RAINBOW TROUT LATEST R&D FOR BARRAMUNDI

Transcription

1 No Autumn The magazine of Skretting Australia Nexus www. skretting. com. au RAW MATERIAL FLEXIBILITY IS KEY PREMIUM FOR FRESHWATER RAINBOW TROUT LATEST R&D FOR BARRAMUNDI

2 CONTENTS MARINE PROTEINS - KNOWLEDGE GIVES FLEXIBILITY page 3 PREMIUM FOR FRESHWATER RAINBOW TROUT page 6 WINTER: A PREMIUM TIME FOR BARRAMUNDI page 10 SNIPPETS page 13 About this issue DR JENNA BOWYER SUSTAINABILITY & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Knowledge gives flexibility ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGING MARINE PROTEIN SITUATION Based on the international success of Premium for rainbow trout in Italy, we have been busy trialling the Premium concept for our local freshwater rainbow trout market Jenna Bowyer, Sustainability & Communications Officer Skretting Australia In this issue of Nexus, we outline the current situation on the supply of fishmeal and fish oil from Peru and that our knowledge of raw material flexibility has ensured that we are well prepared to deal with these challenges. In particular, the benefit of MicroBalance TM, a tool that provides very precise knowledge of the nutritional needs of the fish, and how that gives us the confidence to explore new raw material options to deal with this challenging period of high marine raw material prices. In previous editions of Nexus, we have highlighted the many benefits of our high energy Premium feed for different species farmed here in Australia, namely Atlantic salmon and barramundi. Based on the international success of Premium for rainbow trout in Italy, we have been busy trialling the Premium concept for our local freshwater rainbow trout market. The results have been very promising and as such, as of the 1st of April, we have a new product available, Spectra SS Premium for freshwater rainbow trout. Over the last two years we have been trialling our Premium concept for barramundi. Last year we carried out more R&D to ascertain whether barramundi performance could be further improved during winter conditions by increasing the energy density in barramundi grower feeds by another megajoule. The growth performance results of the trials and the economic benefits are presented and discussed within. We hope that you enjoy this issue of Nexus. DR JENNA BOWYER SUSTAINABILITY & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER DR RHYS HAULER MARKETING MANAGER The end of 2014 saw another volatile period for supply and price of fishmeal. MicroBalance TM continues to enable Skretting to respond to this marine protein challenge. Following a 90 percent reduction in the stock estimate in the spring, the Peruvian authorities cancelled the second fishing season for the world s largest fisheries resource, anchovetas. Toward the end of last year, the dollar ex rate also rose sharply and it did not take long before this had an impact on the market price of important marine raw materials used in fish feed production. GREATER RAW MATERIAL FLEXIBILITY Furthering our nutritional knowledge must always precede the development of commercial fish feed. Skretting has developed MicroBalance TM, a tool that provides very precise knowledge of the nutritional needs of the fish. Understanding of the raw materials micro-nutrient content is vital when aiming to formulate on a nutrient basis and avoid being reliant on certain raw materials, such as fishmeal. Leo Nankervis, Team Leader Salmonid Research at the Skretting Aquaculture Research Centre (ARC) says that today fish feed can be produced efficiently and safely with absolutely no fishmeal. We have documented scientifically through a number of trials under controlled conditions that salmon require nutrients rather than raw materials. Contact Information: 26 Maxwells Road Cambridge Tasmania Australia 7170 PO Box 117 Rosny Park Tasmania Australia 7018 Telephone: Nexus is published by Skretting and is distributed free to all our customers involved in the Australian and New Zealand Fish Farming Industry. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publishers. 2 This publication is not intended to remove the need to take advice when dealing with specific situations and readers should contact the editor before taking any action in reliance on the articles in Nexus. 3

3 Understanding of the raw materials micro-nutrient content is vital when aiming to formulate on a nutrient basis and avoid being reliant on certain raw materials, such as fishmeal Leo Nankervis Team Leader Salmonid Research Skretting ARC, Norway Nankervis continues the research gives us confidence that when alternative sources of key nutrients become commercially available (such as alternative sources of EPA + DHA), salmonids may be fed a diet containing no fishmeal and fish oil. This is important knowledge in order to be able to respond to situations where raw materials are at a premium. In 2015, the flexibility of MicroBalance TM will again influence how we formulate our commercial feed throughout the Skretting group, Nankervis says. MICROBALANCE IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND Skretting Australia introduced MicroBalance to Australia and New Zealand salmon feed in Since then, Atlantic salmon and Chinook salmon have become net producers of marine protein in commercial production when fed Skretting feed (see Figures 1 and 2); that is, more marine protein is being produced in salmon than the marine protein being consumed in the diet. The fishmeal content of our larger growout salmonid feeds in Australia and New Zealand have been reduced since the launch of MicroBalance TM from 25% to just 5% in Notably, this low fishmeal level is used from 1 kilogram of fish bodyweight, and typically represents more than 75% of the feed used in the production cycle. Fishmeal is still a good and complete source of protein for salmonids. But today we have greater focus on digestible nutrients than on which raw materials they come from and commercially we do not rely on any particular feed raw ingredient, says Rhys Hauler, Marketing Manager at Skretting Australia. At the commercial fishmeal concentrations now used, customers such as Tassal and Sanford are producing year classes of salmon as net producers of marine protein. In years to come this will improve even further as economics drive us to remove fishmeal entirely. The fishmeal and fish oil situation in Peru shows how important the MicroBalance knowledge is. MicroBalance is updated continuously with new knowledge, including real-time analyses of raw materials at our manufacturing operations. This makes the tool increasingly powerful, able to provide faster analysis results, and allows us to react. This gives us flexibility in the choice of raw materials for feed production and the ability to respond quickly when required, Hauler says. NEW SUPPLIERS When the world s largest fishmeal and fish oil producer suspends a whole anchoveta season, it causes an almost immediate supply and demand issue and a subsequent dramatic increase in price. Jenna Bowyer, Sustainability and Communication Officer at Skretting Australia can assure us that Skretting is working actively to find new marine raw material sources to help offset this. In the near future, it is reasonable to believe that a larger percentage of our purchases will include by-products/trimmings generated from the human food industry. This will ensure better utilisation of resources. The use of fishmeal trimmings sourced from the human food industry began at Skretting Australia in early 2000 says Bowyer. Now, as highlighted in our annual sustainability report last year, trimmings or by-products constituted 43.7% of the marine protein component in our feeds, while 56.3% of marine protein was from reduction fisheries (e.g. Peruvian anchovy). We are constantly looking for new, alternative feed ingredients and MicroBalance gives us confidence to explore more widely. As the breadth of our raw material base grows, we maintain stringent food safety, traceability and sustainability requirements, and all feed ingredients brought into Skretting s plants are subject to thorough analyses, Bowyer says. HELPING TO MEET SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS As part of our customer s requirements for Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification, feed must be compliant with the standards stipulated forage fish dependency ratios (FFDR) of <1.35 for fishmeal and <2.95 for fish oil. The FFDR simply means how much fishmeal or fish oil from fish that are specifically caught for reducing down into these ingredients (e.g. Peruvian anchovy), is included in the feed to produce 1 kg of farmed fish. At Skretting Australia, our use of marine protein ingredients from trimmings sources has significantly contributed to our customers being well below the FFDR fishmeal requirements of the ASC Salmon Standard. This is because trimmings, as a by-product of the human food industry, are excluded from the assessment. As an example, if we take the percent inclusion of fishmeal and fish oil from reduction sources from our 2013 Sustainability Report, and our Atlantic salmon customer, Tassal s reported company feed conversion ratio (Tassal 2011 Sustainability Report), the FFDR for fishmeal is 0.45:1, which is well below the ASC Salmon Standard s requirement of <1.35. While we are dealing with an exceptionally challenging period in raw material prices, in particular for marine proteins, our customers should rest assured that we have the knowledge and tools to help mitigate some of these effects, both now and well into the future concludes Hauler. Fish protein production (kg out per kg in) NZ Chinook 2009 NZ Chinook 2011 NZ Chinook 2013 NZ Chinook future estimate Figure 1. Historic, current and future trends in Sanford s Chinook salmon protein production when fed Skretting diets Fish protein production (kg out per kg in) NZ Chinook 2009 Early extruded diets NZ Chinook 2011 Tas Atlantic salmon 2009 Tas Atlantic salmon 2011 NZ Chinook 2013 NZ Chinook future estimate Tas Atlantic Tas Atlantic salmon salmon 2013 future estimate Early extruded diets Tas Atlantic salmon 2011 Tas Atlantic salmon future estimate Figure 2. Historic, current and future trends in Tassal s Atlantic salmon protein production when fed Skretting diets h Net protein producer h Net protein producer 4 5

4 Premium is the next generation feed The introduction of Skretting Premium diets in 2013 has supported best-ever biological performance for many of Skretting s Atlantic salmon customers across the globe. Increased energy density combined with unique metabolic activators gives Premium-fed fish higher fillet yields, faster growth rates and lower. New research shows that Premium also has great potential for freshwater rainbow trout. for freshwater rainbow trout DR MATTHEW BRANSDEN TECHNICAL ACCOUNT MANAGER PREMIUM EXPERIENCE IN ITALY In October 2013, Skretting Italy became the group s first Operating Company to launch Optiline Premium for freshwater trout. A high energy feed was launched in Italy more than a decade ago, and it has consistently delivered good performance throughout the market. However, trout producers recognise that Optiline Premium delivers even better efficiency gains. Trout farmers all over Europe are under a lot of pressure with regards to market prices and production costs, so it is important they use the most efficient feeds says Umberto Luzzana, Skretting Italy s Product Manager. Probably the most common question we received was whether such a good growth performance could in some way impair the health status of the fish. I can say, from all our R&D and commercial experience, we have found no evidence whatsoever that a trout farmer using Optiline Premium can expect any negative impact on the health status of their fish. This has been the case with salmon too. On the contrary, the fish use the energy in a far more efficient way so they don t store excess fat in the liver or in the viscera, which actually contributes to a better health status, says Luzzana. PREMIUM RESULTS FOR AUSTRALIAN FRESHWATER RAINBOW TROUT Following the impressive international performance of Premium in freshwater trout, Australia was eager to quantify the benefit of Premium for local freshwater rainbow trout. In 2014, two tank trials and two commercial pond trials were completed. Performance results of Premium fed to freshwater rainbow trout have been very encouraging for a range of growing conditions and fish sizes (Table 1, overleaf). Strong improvements were seen for SGR and across all four trials. Improvements in SGR ranged from 8 to 28% and from 9 to 22% relative to a non-premium control diet. Aerial photographs of Goulburn River Trout Farm in Victoria, courtesy of Ed Meggitt 6 7

5 ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF PREMIUM FOR FRESHWATER TROUT The economic benefits of Spectra SS Premium can be demonstrated using the experimental results presented in Table 1. Spectra SS Premium 9mm should be fed to fish with a starting weight of 600g. The starting weight from Trial 2 (experimental tanks) and Trial 3 (commercial ponds) best fit our recommendation, hence data from these two trials have been applied to calculate the economic benefits. Based on the data from the two trials, the average weight gain improvement of 17% and an benefit of 15% have been applied to the model with an assumed final target harvest weight of 2kg (Table 2). By applying these values, assuming 5,000 fish are grown to 2kg and that Spectra SS Premium is $0.20/kg more expensive than standard Spectra SS, the improved growth performance and from Spectra SS Premium result in a gross margin increase of $9,863 for every 5,000 trout grown. The benefit could be further amplified should fish be grown to a bigger harvest size. Alternatively, growing trout faster on Spectra SS Premium would allow for a shorter time to harvest (potentially improving survival). Subsequently, as less feed is required for the same growth, the nutrient discharge is also reduced (Figures 1 and 2). PREMIUM REDUCES ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRIENT LOADING The increased nutrient density of Premium diets means there is less indigestible material to be excreted into the environment as faeces. This effect, when combined with the lower of Premium diets, results in significantly reduced nutrient outputs from farms into the environment. Models that take account of the composition of Premium and its impact show that a 27% lower nitrogen output (Figure 1) and 34% lower faecal dry matter output (Figure 2) is expected per kilogram of trout produced (based on Trial 3 metrics). Reducing faecal output is especially beneficial at sites that are poorly flushed and for locations where the nutrient load from the farm may be regulated. Because the feed-derived nutrient output is one of the most important environmental impacts of a farming operation, the benefit of Premium also goes directly to the environmental bottom line. Spectra SS Premium will be launched as a 6mm product for fish over 200g and as a 9mm product for fish over 600g and has been available from April 1, For further information on this product please contact Matthew Bransden (matthew. bransden@skretting.com). The feed-derived nutrient output is one of the most important environmental impacts of a farming operation, therefore the benefit of Premium also goes directly to the environmental bottom line Dr Matthew Bransden Technical Account Manager Skretting Australia Table 1. Summary of Australian freshwater rainbow trout Premium trials Trials Fish start and finish weight (kg) Experimental tanks Additional weight gain (g)* Additional weight gain (%)* SGR (%)* (g/g)* (%)* Trial i0.25 i16 Trial i0.10 i9% Commercial ponds Trial i0.31 i22 Trial i0.39 i23 * Relative to non-premium control Table 2. Economic analysis of the benefits of Spectra SS Premium Inputs Diet Spectra SS Spectra SS Premium Initial no. fish 5,000 5,000 Start weight (kg) End weight (kg) Final biomass (kg) 10,000 11,190 Biomass gain 7,000 8, Feed used (kg) 9,800 9,746 Value of fish ($10/kg) $100,000 $111,900 Additional cost of feed $2,037 Additional fish production margin with Spectra SS Premium $9,863 Data averages from Trials 2 and 3 (600g and 700g starting fish weight) have been applied to the model. The scenario assumes the additional cost of Spectra SS Premium is $0.20/kg. Undigested Nitrogen (g/kg) fish production Recommended feeding regime of Premium products for freshwater rainbow trout Untitled 1 Figure 1. Estimated feed nitrogen input per kilogram of fish produced Undigested dry matter (g/kg) fish production % -34% Undigested Nitrogen/kg fish Untitled 1 Undigested dry matter/kg fish Spectra SS Premium Spectra SS Spectra SS Premium Spectra SS Figure 2. Estimated faecal dry matter output per kilogram of fish produced Optimal Nutrition Normal Conditions Proactive Nutrition Prepare for stress Hatchery diets Grower diets Floating Sinking Nutra XP Spectra FF Spectra SS Nutra RC Spectra SS Premium Protec TM RC Protec TM FF Protec TM 100 Protec TM 500 Protec TM 1000 Specific Nutrition Environment Spectra FF HT Spectra SS HT 8 Matthew Bransden at Goulburn River Trout Farm 9

6 Winter: a premium time for barramundi DR NICOLE RUFF PRODUCT MANAGER Over the last two years we have undertaken multiple experimental trials using our Premium concept (which combines high energy with metabolic activators) under different culture and environmental conditions in barramundi. What we have routinely found is that the use of Nova FF Premium in barramundi consistently results in a reduced feed conversion ratio () and improved growth response compared to lower energy diets. Of particular interest has been the discovery that, while Premium for barramundi works well in summer, it performs even better during winter conditions. Why is this the case? As the cool water temperatures of winter slow the fish s metabolism, their ability to consume and digest feed is reduced. Feeding a high energy diet during this cooler period means that while the overall feed intake might be the same compared to a standard energy diet, there is a greater dietary energy intake as the Premium feed is more energy dense. Additionally, the metabolic activators help promote further digestion and metabolism under cool conditions. The end result is a vastly improved specific growth rate (SGR) and. REPEATED AND IMPROVED PERFORMANCE A semi-commercial trial was conducted at Pejo Enterprises, Innisfail, QLD, during the winter of 2013 comparing Nova FF Premium to the standard Nova FF. Once again the performance of Premium was far superior to the standard diet, and the results were presented in 2014 (Nexus edition no.17). A second semi-commercial pond trial, also at Pejo Enterprises, and an experimental tank trial conducted at NSW DPI Port Stephens research station, was conducted in 2014 to establish whether the 2013 semi-commercial trial results could be repeated under laboratory conditions. All the trials were broadly similar in that they used barramundi of an initial weight of g, and were grown for 4-5 months at winter water temperatures of o C. Skretting s high energy Nova FF Premium diet (20.8 MJ DE/kg + metabolic activators) was tested against a medium energy Nova FF diet (19.4MJ DE/kg). The Nova FF Premium diet again promoted significantly improved growth and compared to the Nova FF control diet (Table 1). Combining the results of all three winter trials, an improved growth rate of 12% (ranging from 4 to 18%) and a reduced of 11% (ranging from 9 to14%) was recorded for barramundi fed Nova FF Premium. Table 1. Summary of Australian freshwater rainbow trout premium trials Trials Fish start and finish weight (kg) Semi-commercial 2013 Triplicate inpond cages Semi-commercial 2014 Triplicate inpond cages Experimental 2014 Quadruplicate tanks * Relative to non-premium control Additional weight gain (g)* WHAT IS THE LIMIT? Additional weight gain (%)* SGR (%)* (g/g)* (%)* h18 i0.22 i h4 i0.13 i h10 i0.15 i12 The energy density in barramundi feeds, in comparison to that of salmonids, remains relatively low. Grower feeds for salmon routinely contain in excess of 35% fat. Compare that to the Nova FF Premium diet of 25%, and the question becomes apparent. Where is the limit in barramundi? An improved growth rate of 12% and a reduced of 11% was recorded for barramundi fed Nova FF Premium Dr Nicole Ruff Product Manager, Skretting Australia 10 11

7 To address this question, the use of even higher energy feeds (above the current Nova FF Premium concentrations) was evaluated as part of the recent experimental trial at NSW DPI Port Stephens research station. In this trial, a Nova FF Premium Plus was tested against the lower energy Nova FF and Nova FF Premium. Barramundi were a start weight of 1kg and the trial lasted for 113 days at a water temperature of ~23 o C. Nova FF Premium Plus contained an extra mega joule (MJ) of digestible energy compared to Nova FF Premium. The results showed a further 5% (or 0.05g/g) reduction (Figure 1) but no additional growth benefit when compared to the Nova FF Premium. The trial demonstrated that, as in other species, there is an ideal balance between dietary protein and energy, and you can t always have more of a good thing. While there was an improvement in the of fish fed the Nova FF Premium Plus diet, from a costof-production perspective, the cost of adding more oil to the diet outweighed the benefit. That aside, the trial again proved the benefits of Nova FF Premium. The Premium concept is now utilised across all Skretting businesses and the results continue to speak for themselves. For barramundi, Nova FF Premium is available as a 9mm product and recommended for fish over 1kg. For further information please contact Matthew Bransden (matthew.bransden@skretting.com). Acknowledgements: this work would not have been possible without the excellent assistance of Dr Mark Booth and his team at NSW DPI, and Mr Marty Phillips and his farm staff at Pejo Enterprises. ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF PREMIUM FOR BARRAMUNDI The economic benefits of Nova FF Premium can be calculated using data from the above trials. Assuming barramundi are grown from 1,000g to 1,500g with improvements in weight gain of 12% and a reduction in of 0.17 (averages of the above trials). For every 10,000 fish grown there is a gross margin increase of over $12,000. This comes about despite the fact that Nova FF Premium is $0.20/kg more expensive than Nova FF, thus adding an additional $5,500 in feed costs. However, the improved growth performance results in an additional $18,000 in saleable fish (@ $10/kg), therefore the overall result is a greatly improved bottom line. Of course this only takes into account a barramundi grown to 1,500g. Should they be grown to a larger size, the relative difference (and increase in gross margin) will be more pronounced. Having run the Skretting Premium trials and having seen the results, I have used the premium product in commercial production for the past year. The economics stack up and I will be using the product through the coming winter, says Mr Marty Phillips owner of Queensland barramundi farm, PEJO Enterprises. (g/g) Table 2. Recommended feeding regime of Premium products for barramundi Optimal Nutrition Normal Conditions Proactive Nutrition Prepare for stress Specific Nutrition Environment $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 a Figure 1. Feed conversion ratio (, g/g) of 1kg barramundi fed the standard Nova FF, Nova FF Premium, or Nova FF Premium Plus. Data are presented as mean + SD, n=4. Different superscripts denote significant differences (p<0.01) Hatchery diets Grower diets Floating Sinking Gemma Diamond Nova FF Nova ME Nova FF Premium Nova ME Premium Protec TM ME Protec TM FF Protec TM ME Protec TM FF Protec TM ME Value of fish produced Value of feed used $0 Nova FF Nova HF Premium Figure 2. Using the outcomes of the winter trials, despite additional feed costs Nova FF Premium results in an improved bottom line as more saleable fish is produced b Nova FF Nova FF Premium Nova FF Premium Plus b Snippets 2014 RESIDUE REPORT ONLINE NOW Each year Skretting Australia undertakes a residue monitoring program as part of its commitment to the global Skretting Nutrace food safety system. All tests carried out under this program are undertaken by selected leading international laboratories ensuring that we not only use best practice test methods, but can also have great confidence in the results. Through this program we monitor potential residues, use the results to guide our purchasing and product formulations, and keep our customers informed of trends and issues. Skretting Australia s latest Residue Monitoring Report summarises the level of undesirable substances in Skretting Australia feeds from 2010 to Results from monitoring in 2014 indicate that Skretting Australia feeds have again met all Australian and European requirements and that the levels of undesirable substances found in feeds are substantially lower than the limits set by authorities. To view the report online please visit our website www. skretting.com.au where you can find the report under Safety & Quality. You will also find our previous issues of the report SUSTAINABILITY REPORT ONLINE NOW Skretting Australia has recently published its second sustainability report. It outlines our previous year s accomplishments and commitments that we set for ourselves in our first report. The report is available on our website ( but if you would like a hard copy then please contact Jenna Bowyer, Sustainability & Communications Officer (jenna.bowyer@skretting.com). The Skretting Group also publish a more comprehensive Global Sustainability Report, which contains the latest information from all of our Skretting operations. In addition, Skretting Norway and Skretting Chile publish a local sustainability report. AQUA NOR AUGUST 2015 Skretting Australia Annual sustainability report 2014 The Aqua Nor trade shows are held biannually in Trondheim, Norway. Recent events have attracted 15,000-20,000 visitors from more than 50 nations. Since the beginning of this tradeshow more than 30 years ago, the aquaculture industry has seen significant progress. Aqua Nor is an important international event for the aquaculture industry. The event showcases new products, services, technology, processes and current research and development projects not only for salmon culture, but also for other species. For more information on this event, please visit their website: august/ 12 13

8 ENSURING TIMELY DELIVERY OF YOUR FEED: THE ORDERING PROCESS Supporting local One of Skretting Australia s most prized Key Performance Indicators is to ensure feed arrives on our customer s doorstep in full and on time. It is a strong focus for our staff right from the moment an order is received, through until the order is dispatched. With the exception of some smaller size feeds, the vast majority of our products are made-to-order within a rolling 14 day manufacturing cycle. In order for us to maintain continuity of supply to your farm, it is important you are familiar with our ordering process, namely: Customers can place an order by telephone, or fax, to our Customer Service Team Tim Tayler and Michael Hennessy; Once an order is received, it can take up to 14 days to be manufactured. The manufactured goods will subsequently leave our factory not later than day 14 after the order is received; Customers need to take into account transit times from our factory to your doorstep. For example, if feed is ordered on the first day of the month and there is a transit time from our factory to your farm of 7 days, the feed should arrive not later than the 21st day of the month. We also welcome orders where you nominate the desired week they arrive on your farm, keeping in mind our 14 day manufacturing cycle. For example, if in any given month you know you require deliveries in week 2 and 4 of the following month, then let our Customer Service Team know and they will ensure timely delivery on those weeks. We are exceptionally proud of the fact that we are regularly commended by our customers far and wide on our ability to deliver high quality feed on time, every time. Keeping in mind that we have this ordering and dispatch cycle in place when you are thinking about placing your order greatly assists us to assist you. fish nutrition research Tim Tayler tim.tayler@skretting.com Michael Hennessey michael.hennessey@skretting.com Skretting Australia has a long history of supporting PhDs in the field of fish nutrition. Currently, we are sponsoring two PhDs that are investigating some of the mechanisms underlying significant production challenges faced by the Tasmanian and New Zealand salmonid industries. Our ultimate goal is to see the research outcomes incorporated into innovative and sustainable solutions for the aquaculture industry. MARTIN GRUNENWALD Martin started his PhD project at the University of Tasmania (UTas) in late Prior to this, he completed his Bachelor degree in Agricultural Sciences in Germany and his Master s thesis in the field of fish nutrition at the Skretting Aquaculture Research Centre (ARC) in Stavanger, Norway. Carotenoid utilisation and metabolism under adverse summer growing conditions for Atlantic salmon is the research focus of his project. Martin is supervised jointly by Dr Louise Ward (UTas) and Gunvor Baardsen (Skretting ARC) and his project is supported by Skretting Australia, DSM Nutritional Products and Van Diemen Aquaculture. Right: Martin Grunenwald, Below: Adelbert Declercq ADELBERT DECLERCQ Adelbert commenced his PhD at Massey University in New Zealand in Prior to this, he completed his Master s degree at Ghent University in Belgium, where he studied tooth development in teleost fish. The topic of his PhD project is characterisation of vertebral development and mineralisation in Chinook salmon, and interaction with water temperature and growth rate. Adelbert is jointly supervised by Dr Matthew Perrott (Massey University) and Professor Eckhard Witten (Ghent University). His project is funded by Skretting Australia and New Zealand King Salmon. 14 Physical address: 26 Maxwells Road, Cambridge, TAS, 7170 Postal address: PO Box 117, Rosny Park, TAS, 7018 Fax:

9 PREMIUM The grower feed PREMIUM, for multiple species, is based on higher energy plus metabolic activators that improve the sh s utilisation of digestible energy. The result is faster growth, higher slaughter yields and more marketable seafood Shorter production time Lower Faster growth ATLANTIC SALMON BARRAMUNDI FRESHWATER TROUT 14% 11% 12% Beneet of PREMIUM is delivered through a combination of higher digestible energy plus metabolic activators Improved distribution of fat leads to a higher slaughter yield FLEXIBLE RAW MATERIALS PREMIUM is formulated based on MicroBalance TM, meaning that essential micro-nutrients found in shmeal can be sourced from alternative raw materials IMPROVED ATLANTIC SALMON BARRAMUNDI FRESHWATER TROUT 13% 12% 15% METABOLIC ACTIVATORS PREMIUM is the rst feed to contain metabolic activators that stimulate the sh s metabolism and energy-utilisation. The metabolic activators help reduce visceral fat and increase llet fat content. The improved distribution of fat provides higher slaughter yields and the llets get larger and tastier with increased levels of omega 3