Controlling aqua feed-related environment pollution with phytase superdosing

Presenting at the third International Phytate Summit, Dr Gabriel Morales from the University of Buenos Aires revealed how phytase superdosing in fish diets can reduce the discharge of phosphorous into the water by 50%.

Dr Morales explained how this reduction has a big impact in aquaculture production. For example, when using phytase superdosing, a typical aquaculture farm producing 3000 tonnes per year can reduce the excretion of phosphorous into the water by 2kg/ton of fish produced. This is the equivalent to 26 tonnes/year of monocalcium phosphate.

A key concern with the practice of aquaculture is its environmental impact and water quality degradation from its production processes. Effluent water from ponds causing environmental pollution, nutrient buildup (mostly organic nitrogen and phosphorus) and wastes in ecosystems, land clearing and chemical pollution, are just a few of the negative impacts if systems are not managed correctly (source)

Reducing environment pollution from aquaculture production continues to be a priority for many governments, particularly in the Asia Pacific region.

With the use of fishmeal in aquaculture diets reducing, many producers are turning to more plant-based protein sources. These plant-based materials have an impact on the level of phytate in the diet and subsequently the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous build up in the water.

The International Phytate Summit brought together experts in animal nutrition to further our knowledge and understanding of phytate and identify advances in diet formulation. Dr Morales was one of two aqua experts presenting at the summit; Dr Eric Peatman from Auburn University also gave a presentation on phytase superdosing reducing anaemia and improving fish performance, focusing on the US catfish industry.