Economic sustainability is arguably the most important pillar. Without it companies have no capital to create employment (for social sustainability), and neither can they invest in new technologies for a cleaner operation (for environmental sustainability). Maintaining profitability is, at least theoretically, a simple task; minimize cost and maximize revenue. However, a number of world events and macro-economic challenges have aligned in such a way that is increasing costs for aquafeed manufacturers and producers, largely due to:
dsm-firmenich has one of the most diverse product portfolios in the industry today and offers a range of solutions to support the profitable growth of our customers. Utilizing cutting edge know-how and technology, dsm-firmenich has developed solutions to optimize feed costs and mitigate risk without compromising feed quality or performance. With a strong innovation mindset and a willingness to build partnerships, dsm-firmenich supports aquaculture profitability by:
Feed is a major cost, and can account for >60-70% of total production costs. Therefore, improving cost effectiveness of feed is a priority for every producer and feed manufacturer, to maximize the return of investment. By improving digestibility, feed enzymes are an important tool to extract more from less. This means that feed formulations can be adjusted with an optimized, or even reduced cost, without impacting feed, or animal, performance.
Reducing FCR has a dual benefit in aquaculture. As well as aforementioned cost savings there are also benefits for water quality. Up to 80% of the total footprint of protein production comes from the feed. In this way, enzymes also contribute to a more sustainable aquaculture industry by reducing emissions, specifically nitrogen and phosphorous which are key drivers for biodiversity change.
dsm-firmenich feed enzyme portfolio has been developed to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of aquaculture, specifically:
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by molds, and over 400 have been identified. Although many effects are reported, the biggest cost of mycotoxins in fish and shrimp production is through worsened growth, FCR, immunity and robustness. This means their presence can heavily impact the profitability of an operation by impairing performance, production efficiency and health status. Importantly, mycotoxin symptoms (mycotoxicosis) are often sub-clinical which makes them an invisible threat.
Mycotoxins are becoming more important in aquaculture due to:
Even with robust quality control procedures, it is impossible to check all incoming raw materials and as they form ‘hotspots’, the risk is never zero. Therefore, mycotoxin deactivators act as important insurance, giving feed manufacturers and producers the peace of mind that this risk is under control.
With no less than 7 EU authorizations, Mycofix® is the ultimate insurance policy, utilizing state-of-the-art mycotoxin deactivation technology to maintain aquatic animal health, performance and profitability.
The Mycofix® portfolio of feed additives represents the most state-of-the-art solution for protecting animal health by deactivating mycotoxins that contaminate farm animal feed. Its safety and efficacy are proven by 7 EU authorizations for substances that deactivate mycotoxins.
RONOZYME® ProAct is dsm-firmenich best-in-class feed protease which increases protein digestion across a range of feed ingredients, thereby reducing feed costs. RONOZYME® ProAct optimizes amino acids digestion, reduces costs, mitigates effects of feed protein variability, reduces adverse effects of anti-nutritional factors as well as improves Gastrointestinal Functionality.
RONOZYME® WX2,000 degrades xylans, the major antinutritional components in cereals grains, improving the release of entrapped energy and nutrients, reducing feed costs.
dsm-firmenich is the first and only supplier to launch its second generation feed protease, ProAct 360™, in order to further reduce production costs, while making animal production even more sustainable.
HiPhorius™ raises the market standard for phytase technology, delivering consistent improvements in animal performance through efficient phosphorous utilization.
RONOZYME® HiPhos takes feed phytase to the next level. Far less inorganic phosphorous needs to be added to the diet, resulting in substantial savings on feed costs.
