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https://e-catalogs.taat-africa.org/gov/technologies/affordable-fish-feed-production-formulation-and-pelleting-of-low-cost-feeds
Empowering Aquaculture with Affordable Feeds
Formulation and Pelleting of Low-Cost Feeds" is a critical aquaculture technology that aims to reduce the high cost of fish feeds in Sub-Saharan Africa. Fish farming operations often allocate a significant portion of their budget, around 60% to 70%, for imported or overseas blended feed ingredients. This technology facilitates the local production of affordable, nutritionally balanced fish feeds. By leveraging extrusion and pelleting techniques, it enhances feed stability, nutrient delivery, and ease of handling. This innovation has the potential to significantly boost the profitability and sustainability of fish farming businesses in the region.
This technology is TAAT1 validated.
Adults 18 and over: Positive high
The poor: Positive high
Under 18: Positive medium
Women: Positive low
Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable
Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement
Biodiversity: Positive impact on biodiversity
Carbon footprint: Same amount of carbon released
Environmental health: Moderately improves environmental health
Soil quality: Does not affect soil health and fertility
Water use: Same amount of water used
The “Formulation and Pelleting of Low-Cost Feeds” technology can empower local communities in Sub-Saharan Africa by enabling the production of affordable fish feeds. This contributes to SDG 5: Gender Equality. The technology also reduces pollution, contributing to SDG 13: Climate Action. By promoting local resources, it reduces carbon emissions. The technology supports SDGs 1: No Poverty, 2: Zero Hunger, and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
To implement the "Formulation and Pelleting of Low-Cost Feeds" technology in a project, the following activities need to be considered:
1. Organize Supply of Raw Ingredients: Secure a continuous supply of low-cost raw ingredients that are locally available.
2. Site Selection: Choose a production site that is conveniently close to fish farms and transportation corridors.
3. Equipment Procurement: Procure and install appropriate, serviceable equipment for feed formulation and pelleting.
4. Packaging and Storage: Ensure sanitary packaging and proper storage of the produced feed.
5. Marketing: Market the feed products to fish farmers, agro-dealers, extension agents, and others.
6. Contracting: Pre-arrange contracts with fish farms at a profitable and competitive price.
Prerequisites for the project include understanding the nutrient requirements of different fish species, the availability and quality of local feed ingredients, and the technical aspects of feed formulation and pelleting. It's also important to have knowledge of the local market for fish feeds and the logistical considerations for feed distribution.
A team of trainers could provide training and support during project installation. Include the cost for training and post-training support for using the technology.
The technology can be effectively combined with other aquaculture technologies. For instance, it can work well with technologies that focus on improving water quality and reducing pollution in aquaculture ponds. Additionally, it can be integrated with technologies that optimize the use of locally grown crop and animal products.
As for key partners, they could include organizations that have expertise in aquaculture, feed formulation, and pelleting technologies. These might include research institutions like WorldFish. Local farmers and farming cooperatives could also be key partners, as they would be the primary users of the technology. It's also important to collaborate with government agencies for regulatory support and potential funding.
Production of 1 ton
Equipment of production
| Country | Testing ongoing | Tested | Adopted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benin | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Botswana | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Cameroon | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Côte d’Ivoire | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Djibouti | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Equatorial Guinea | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Ethiopia | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Kenya | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Liberia | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Madagascar | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Malawi | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Mozambique | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Nigeria | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Republic of the Congo | –No ongoing testing | –Not tested | Adopted |
| Rwanda | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Senegal | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Sierra Leone | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| South Sudan | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Sudan | –No ongoing testing | –Not tested | Adopted |
| Tanzania | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Uganda | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Zambia | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Zimbabwe | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.
| AEZ | Subtropic - warm | Subtropic - cool | Tropic - warm | Tropic - cool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arid | ||||
| Semiarid | ||||
| Subhumid | ||||
| Humid |
Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.
Source Quality Ingredients: Ensure that locally sourced feed ingredients are of high quality and competitively priced, taking into account toxin levels and substances affecting palatability and water stability in feed formulation.
Grinding Raw Materials: Use a hammer mill to grind the raw materials into a fine powder. Smaller particle sizes are preferable as they enhance digestibility, cohesiveness, and water stability. Sun or oven dry the materials before grinding, and ensure uniform particle size for different ingredients.
Mixing Ingredients: Homogenize the ingredients by mixing them manually to create a mash, or for large-scale feed production, use a mechanical mixer.
Adding Binders (if needed): If the cereals in the formula do not provide adequate binding, consider adding cassava starch or a similar product as a binder.
Moistening Raw Materials: Just before extrusion, moisten the raw materials to ensure they adhere together.
Wet Extrusion: Use wet-type steam pelletizers for extrusion, which helps gelatinize starch, further improving the nutritional value of the feed.
Pellet Size: Ensure that the diameter of the pellets is at least 4 millimeters, suitable for most adult fish.
Last updated on 22 May 2024
This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones.
Affordable Fish Feed Production: Formulation and Pelleting of Low-Cost Feeds
https://e-catalogs.taat-africa.org/gov/technologies/affordable-fish-feed-production-formulation-and-pelleting-of-low-cost-feeds
Last updated on 22 May 2024, printed on 22 December 2024
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