INVE Aquaculture (Benchmark Advanced Nutrition) introduced Natura pRo and ExL, a revolutionary feed line and protocol substituting rotifers seamlessly.
Until now, marine fish hatcheries had to use rotifers, which resulted in high operational costs and efforts, variable quality and insecure results. Natura pRo and ExL are a novel solution that substitutes rotifers. They lead towards improved survival, larvae quality and operational flexibility for marine fish hatcheries.
The rotifer substitution challenge has been the priority for INVE for many years. Steven Debono, product manager Fish Hatchery, said that “at INVE, we are focused on the most pressing issues in modern aquaculture, including advancing our knowledge and science on operation and technologies. This innovative feed line will allow hatcheries to produce high-quality marine fish juveniles while taking quality and production standards to the next level.”
Breaking new ground in marine fish aquaculture
INVE´s multidisciplinary market-led approach, combining science, technology and innovation has led to the development of a nutritionally balanced, palatable larvae feed. It is efficiently assimilated by developing larvae, resulting in increased survival and performance.
These innovative formulas result from a thorough ingredient selection which targets optimal nutrient assimilation and palatability from mouth opening until post-weaning. Moreover, the ingredients and the innovative manufacturing processes result in exceptional water behavior and stable particles, ultimately preventing nutrient leaching. This consequently helps maintain optimal water quality, a critical factor in marine fish hatchery, as poor quality water affects larval development, health status, and growth.
“Natura pRo and ExL are applied by an innovative but simple protocol. This protocol unites proper ingredient selection and manufacturing and operational ease, mimicking live rotifers under commercial conditions. The Natura pRo and ExL protocol is a rare combination of quality and convenience,” Debono said. “Our protocol’s positive aspects include simplicity of use and boosting fry quality survival and predictability.”
“The application protocol represents an important step forward in hatchery management since it’s easy to integrate into the day-to-day activities of marine fish larval rearing”, said Giulia Franchi, R&D officer. “This was only possible through working side-by-side with our customers and our dedicated R&D facility (IARC), addressing real-life, daily challenges and concerns during product development. Farmers from different hatcheries worked with us closely. Our products are therefore developed and tested generally under commercial conditions and distinct contexts.”
This ground-breaking product was launched during Aquaculture Europe 2021 in Madeira. The reactions from the scientific audience and clients were extremely positive.
More information here. Natura pRo and ExL are currently available for EMEA only.
Watch Steven Debono’s presentation introducing this product in our recent sister's media webinar Feeds for hatcheries.