Soybean Meal and Poultry Meal: Sustainable Alternatives for Aquaculture Feed

The aquaculture industry in Vietnam is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumption and export demands. According to TechSci Research, the Vietnam Aquaculture Market was valued at USD 102.68 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.82% through 2028. This growth positions Vietnam among the top four global countries in the aquaculture sector, alongside China, Indonesia, and India. Some popular seafood products include shrimp, tuna, and marine fish.

With this significant global demand, Aquatic Feed is required for the sector. However, challenges such as rising fishmeal costs, sustainability concerns, and environmental impact have prompted researchers and feed manufacturers to explore alternative protein sources. Among the most promising candidates are soybean meal and poultry meal.

The Role of Fish Meal in Aquatic Feed

Fishmeal has long been valued in aquaculture feeds due to its rich protein content, high digestibility, and essential amino acid profile, which support growth and health. However, fishmeal production relies heavily on wild fish stocks, which are subject to overfishing and environmental fluctuations. As fishmeal prices increase, the industry is looking toward protein-rich alternatives that can maintain feed quality and support sustainable aquaculture.

Soybean Meal in Aquaculture Feed

Soybean meal is one of the most widely used plant-based proteins in aquafeeds and offers several advantages:

• High Protein Content: Soybean meal contains around 44-48% protein, providing essential nutrients for shrimp growth.
• Amino Acid Profile: It has an excellent amino acid profile, though not as balanced as fishmeal; amino acids like lysine can be supplemented as needed.
• Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness: Soybean is a renewable crop, making soybean meal more sustainable and often less costly than fishmeal.
• Improved Digestibility: Soybean meal is relatively digestible for shrimp, and research shows that it can replace up to 40-60% of fishmeal without negatively impacting shrimp growth.

Poultry Meal in Aquaculture Feed

Poultry meal, derived from poultry processing byproducts, is another alternative with excellent nutritional properties:

• High Digestibility and Protein Quality: Poultry meal contains about 58-65% protein and provides amino acids similar to those found in fishmeal.
• Rich in Fat and Minerals: It includes fats beneficial for energy and minerals like calcium and phosphorus that are essential for health.
• Cost-Efficiency and Availability: As a byproduct of the poultry industry, it is more cost-effective than fishmeal and readily available, making it an economically viable choice.

Conclusion

In summary, substituting fish meal with soybean meal and poultry meal in aquatic feed formulations presents a viable path forward for Vietnam's aquaculture industry.With balanced nutrition, cost savings, and reduced reliance on fishmeal, these alternatives support a more sustainable aquaculture industry. While complete substitution may require further optimization, partial replacement offers an excellent balance between cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility. 

Tradeasia International has been providing raw chemicals in various industries around the world. If you are looking for Soybean Meal, Poultry Meal and  many more to fulfill your specific business needs, contact our sales representative. We are here to support you in finding the best solutions for your requirements.