Researchers studying the effects of dietary shrimp protein hydrolysate (SPH) on sea bass have found that its inclusion in diets can promote health and provide protection against outbreaks of Vibrio pelagius. Researchers found “no statistically significant differences in somatic growth parameters nor proximate composition in fish fed different experimental diets, while the humoral non-specific immune responses (lysozyme, bacteriolytic and complement activities) were significantly enhanced by the inclusion of SPH in diets.”

Researchers investigating the environmental impacts of fish farm effluents on freshwater streams have found that feed-pellet-derived materials significantly contribute to the benthic food chain. “Feed pellets from each farm were significantly 13C-enriched compared to the isotopic backgrounds of the receiving streams. Benthic invertebrates and small-bodied fish were consistently 13C-enriched downstream the fish farm effluents.”

The Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University has developed a new feed called Nutrifloc to aid in the growth of vannamei shrimp and tilapia. The team has applied for a patent for the technology. “This feed would cost less per kg than the commercial fish-meal based feed and would evidently help farmers.”

Zeigler Bros., Inc. announced that Dr. Scott Snyder has been hired as Nutritional Technology Manager. In his role, Scott will provide nutritional and technical support for domestic aquaculture production and customers as well as international licensees.

Researchers in the Philippines are looking at using copra meal as an ingredient in feeds for tilapia, milkfish, and shrimp. Copra meal, while often considered a waste product, is beneficial when it is processed and enriched with protein and mixed in animal feeds. “I really want to boost the technology for our livestock and aquaculture industries. We can sell cheaper products with higher protein, and we can compete with other countries. This can be used by farmers all over the Philippines, so their products will become better too.”

The company has appointed Investec to explore options to accelerate the growth of its Novacq feed ingredient, which has been shown to increase prawn biomass andis also entering into an agreement with Tasmanian salmon producer to conduct two salmon feed trials. 

WAS completed its yearly election and announced that new officers have been elected to its Board for 2018. The new President-elect is Dr. Jimmy Avery, and the new Secretary is Dr. Kathleen Hartman. Dr. Noe Noe Lwin and Dr. Albert Tacon also joined the Board. \"I am sure they will do a splendid job to further promote the objectives of WAS.\"

MiAlgae announced that it has received £500,000 from investors to expand its team and build a pilot plant for its technology at a whisky distillery. The company grows algae rich in omega-3 and other nutrients using co-products from the whisky distillation process. The microalgae produced can be used as a raw material for agricultural food products, with the company initially targeting the aquaculture industry.

Only one year after opening its flagship aquaponics facility specializing in leafy greens, Atlantic salmon, and Steelhead trout, Superior Fresh is on schedule to harvest its first fish next month. The flagship facility, located in Wisconsin, is the first Atlantic salmon recirculating aquaculture system in the United States. The facility contains a 40,000 sq. ft. fish house with the capacity to produce 160,000 lbs. of fish, and plans to harvest salmon and steelhead on a weekly basis.

Fishpond farmers in Ghana are calling on the government to partner with them to set up mini feed mills to produce fish feed in selected production zones. Officials of the Ghana National Association of Fish Pond Farmers say fish feed prices constitute over 70 percent of the production cost in fish farming, and the cost of feed coupled with other challenges is impeding the local industry’s progress.

Bayer completed the acquisition of Monsanto today following the receipt of all required approvals from regulatory authorities. Bayer is now the sole owner of Monsanto Company. According to the conditional approval from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the integration of Monsanto into Bayer can take place as soon the divestments to BASF have been completed. This integration process is expected to commence in approximately two months. 

President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed June 2018 as National Ocean Month. \"This month, I call upon Americans to reflect on the value and importance of oceans not only to our security and economy, but also as a source of recreation, enjoyment, and relaxation.\" In his proclamation, President Trump declared support for domestic aquaculture production and promised to create new opportunities for American products in the global marketplace.

Nutreco has announced that CEO Knut Nesse will leave the company on October 1, 2018, and that Rob Koremans will join Nutreco and take over as CEO upon Mr. Nesse\'s departure. “It’s been fantastic to work in the growing agriculture and aquaculture industries and a real pleasure to work with so many great people across the company. I wish everyone in Nutreco all the best for the future.” 

In a letter to members of Congress, a coalition of more than 100 organizations announced their united opposition to industrial ocean fish farming in U.S. waters. “Industrial marine finfish farming poses serious risks to our oceans, coastal communities and public health. We write today on behalf of our organizations and our millions of members and activists to urge [Congress] to protect our oceans and oppose any legislation to develop marine finfish aquaculture in the United States.”

A new agreement between the Universities of Stirling and Ningbo, in China, will see aquaculture staff and students share knowledge and collaborate on research and teaching projects. The research element of the collaboration will initially focus on nutrition, health, breeding, and genetic improvement of commercially important aquaculture species in the Zhejiang province including the swimming crab, large yellow croaker, pomfret and cuttlefish. “The establishment of a joint laboratory for aquaculture by the two institutes in China and the United Kingdom will not only promote academic exchanges between the two sides, but also support the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.”

Nutreco has formed a joint venture with Mumbai-based West Coast Group to build a feed production facility in west India. The joint venture will be managed by Skretting India, and is in line with Skretting’s strategy to continue expansion into nutritional solutions for warm water aquaculture species. \"Working together with West Coast Group, we’ll be able to ensure we serve the growing needs of the Indian aquaculture industry while delivering on Skretting’s ambition to further develop their warm water species activities.”

A new study has found that grass carp gain more weight and utilize nutrients better when fed an extruded fishmeal-free diet versus a pelleted fishmeal-free diet. Using the same fishmeal-free formula, researchers in China produced a pelleted feed and an extruded feed to administer to fish at various feeding rates. Results found that at the same feeding rate, fish fed extruded feed showed better growth, protein retention, lipid retention, and FCR. Results also found that feeding to 80% satiation results in the lowest FCR and highest protein retention efficiency.

India\'s Avanti Feeds saw turnover rise in the fourth quarter of its financial year, but earnings and profits both dipped. While revenue and profit after tax for the full 2018 year were in line with estimates, operating profit missed by 9%.

De Heus Myanmar has opened its second feed production site in the country. Located on 26,000 square meters near Mandalay in upper Myanmar, the factory has an annual production capacity of 280,000 MT of feed for a variety of livestock, including fish. “This production facility is the most modern compound feed plant in Myanmar. The new equipment from top European feed milling suppliers includes a hyper modern packing robot and extensive bulk storage solutions. To monitor the quality of incoming raw materials and outgoing finished products, a state of the art laboratory will make a big contribution to future farming demands.\"

The American Feed Industry Association will begin accepting applications for the 2018 Feed Facility of the Year (FFY) program tomorrow. Sponsored by AFIA and Feedstuffs, the FFY program recognizes overall excellence in feed manufacturing operations, emphasizing safety, quality, regulatory compliance, employee development and overall operating efficiencies. Four industry categories with category-specific applications will be considered: commercial dry livestock feed, integrator, liquid feed and premix manufacturing.