Although universities and public research institutes have well-equipped laboratories and highly skilled researchers, their work often fails to align with industry priorities. This disconnect is especially evident in developing countries, where a shortage of skilled manpower for farm and feed mill operations further hinders progress.
To address these challenges, Kabir Chowdhury founded Maverick Innovation in 2022 in Bangladesh. This independent institution, focused on aquaculture and poultry, provides facilities to test and validate nutritional products for animal feed. Additionally, it offers training programs to develop skilled professionals for the local industry.
At Maverick Innovation, nutritional research can be conducted on fish and broiler chickens. The aqua unit features a zero-waste RAS system with 64 experimental tanks and 16 fecal collection units. The poultry unit has 64 pens for 640 broiler chickens and 18 metabolic cages for digestibility studies. The center is expanding with a feed mill, new raceway and open pond systems in the aqua facility, and adding a layer and disease challenge unit to the poultry facility.
“We collaborate with regional institutions to study the effects of products on blood parameters, gut health, immunity, and gene expression,” Chowdhury explained in an interview with Aquafeed.com. “We provide product validation services to the global additive industry and offer internships to final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students.”
Validation plays a crucial role in ensuring that feed ingredients are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. “We are not only validating new solutions but also exploring new applications for existing products for the global market,” Chowdhury emphasized.
The center is currently engaged in multiple projects that involve innovative amino acids, new molecules designed to enhance immune functions and reduce stress, and various forms of trace minerals. “Additionally, we are focused on developing and testing novel ingredients for use in animal feed,” Chowdhury explained.
Challenges facing the aquafeed industry in Bangladesh and South Asia
The aquafeed industry in Bangladesh and across South Asia faces several pressing challenges that threaten both quality and sustainability. One of the key concerns is quality control. “Maintaining consistent feed quality is a major challenge due to heavy reliance on imported raw materials. Rising costs and inconsistent quality of key macro-ingredients force feed manufacturers to turn to cheaper alternatives, which impacts both feed quality and farmers’ profitability,” Chowdhury explained.
Beyond quality issues, environmental sustainability is also at risk. "Poor-quality feed is usually poorly digestible, contributing to environmental degradation and impacting the overall sustainability of the aquaculture business," Chowdhury noted. This not only affects water quality but also increases long-term costs for farmers.
The industry also faces technical constraints, particularly due to a lack of skilled manpower and over-reliance on manual operations. "Limited access to advanced technology and expertise hampers the efficiency and profitability of aquafeed production," making it difficult for many businesses to scale efficiently.
Another major hurdle is market accessibility, especially for small-scale farmers. "Distribution challenges and high costs make it difficult for smaller players to compete in the industry," Chowdhury added.
Regulatory inconsistencies and limited farmer support further complicate the landscape. "Inconsistent regulations, improper labeling, and a greater focus on disease identification rather than prevention are key issues. Additionally, the lack of farmer training and technical services continues to be a significant barrier to industry growth."
Aquafeed research in Bangladesh
Aquafeed research in Bangladesh faces numerous obstacles, ranging from infrastructure limitations to funding constraints.
One of the most significant barriers is the lack of advanced research facilities and equipment. “Many research institutions lack the necessary technology to conduct experimental studies, which slows down innovation in aquafeed nutrition and production,” Chowdhury explained. Additionally, the shortage of skilled researchers and technicians in this field further impedes progress. “We need more trained professionals specializing in aquafeed science to drive meaningful advancements,” he added. Limited access to reliable data on aquaculture practices and feed usage also makes it difficult to conduct thorough, evidence-based research.
Securing financial support for aquafeed research is another major challenge. “Private sector companies are often hesitant to invest in long-term studies due to uncertain returns,” Chowdhury notes. Meanwhile, government funding for aquaculture research is limited and often directed toward broader public-sector initiatives. Compounding the issue is the highly competitive nature of international grants, making it difficult for local researchers to secure external funding.
“Addressing these challenges requires stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government to create a more supportive ecosystem for aquafeed research,” Chowdhury said.
Maverick Innovation and Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) signed a MoU for cooperation. Credits: Maverick Innovation
The future of aquafeeds
The aquafeed industry stands at a turning point, where innovation, sustainability, and economic viability must go hand-in-hand. Over the next 5 to 10 years, several transformative trends are set to reshape the sector.
“The industry will see a major shift toward sustainability, with a growing reliance on alternative ingredients sourced from co-products of existing and emerging industries,” Chowdhury predicted. This move will help reduce environmental impact and increase resource efficiency.
Advancements in nutritional optimization will lead to more precise feed formulations, tailored to the genetics and environmental conditions of aquatic species. “We are now focusing on delivering nutrients at the right place and at the right time in the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring maximum absorption and efficiency,” the expert adds.
The integration of digital technologies like IoT and AI will revolutionize aquafeed production. “Autonomous plants and smart systems will enhance efficiency by providing real-time data on production and demand, helping us anticipate challenges and optimize the supply chain,” he noted.
From a consumer perspective, their preferences will shape the future of aquafeed formulations, with increasing demand for tailor-made products that enhance nutritional value. “We are already seeing a shift toward omega-3-enriched feeds and other nutrient-specific solutions designed to support human health,” Chowdhury predicted.
Maverick Innovation is supporting the industry by validating novel feed additives and novel ingredients to be used in animal feed as well as providing training to develop skilled manpower for the industry. “However, our ultimate goal is to develop a culture to innovate and develop applied solutions for a sustainable animal production industry, and thus contribute to create a sustainable future for all,” Chowdhury concluded.
