Raw Material Optimization for Better Feed Quality in Shrimp Production

Optimizing raw materials in shrimp feed formulations is key to improving feed quality and cost-efficiency. One important factor that impacts feed quality and ingredient choices is the sinking ability of the feed. Shrimp require sinking feeds to consume food from the bottom without wasting feed or impacting water quality. Two common feed manufacturing methods to produce sinking feeds are extrusion and pelleting, each with distinct impacts on formulation flexibility and ingredient costs.

Extrusion technology offers greater flexibility when producing sinking shrimp feeds compared to pelletting. A critical difference lies in the starch content required to achieve sinking characteristics. Extrusion requires only about 10% starch, while pelleting typically demands about 25% starch to maintain proper sinking speed. This lower starch requirement in extrusion opens up opportunities to use more cost-effective protein sources like soybean meal (SBM) in the formulation.

Since starch is usually a cheaper energy ingredient, one might assume that higher starch content reduces feed costs. However, starch can limit the inclusion of higher quality or more digestible proteins, impacting feed efficiency and shrimp growth. Extrusion’s ability to use lower starch levels means nutritionists can increase protein inclusion using affordable sources such as SBM, balancing nutritional quality with cost. This flexibility often results in formulations where savings on protein sources offset the higher investment cost of extrusion equipment.

Investing in extrusion also benefits feed mills by diversifying production capabilities. Many feed producers have the advantage of using both pelleting and extrusion technologies, allowing them to select the best process depending on the shrimp’s nutritional needs, local ingredient prices, and desired feed quality. Extrusion additionally enhances feed physical quality—improving pellet durability, water stability, and reducing fines—which contributes to better feeding behavior and less feed wastage.

From a cost-benefit perspective, while extrusion machinery requires a higher initial investment than pelletting equipment, the formulation cost savings and improvements in feed performance often mean the extra capital is quickly recovered. For shrimp farmers, this translates to more uniform growth, better feed conversion, and ultimately higher profitability.

In summary, optimizing raw materials for sinking shrimp feeds involves understanding the advantages of feed manufacturing technologies. Extrusion allows for lower starch usage and the inclusion of cost-effective proteins like soybean meal without compromising sinking quality. Feed mills equipped with both pelletting and extrusion options can make informed decisions to maximize feed quality, reduce cost, and support sustainable shrimp production.

Educating feed formulators and shrimp producers on these technical differences can foster smarter raw material choices that enhance both economic and production outcomes in shrimp farming.

To explore these formulation strategies, processing technologies, and cost optimization approaches in greater depth, join us at the Aqua Feed Milling Management Course, happening November 18–21 in Bangkok. The course brings together industry experts and practical case studies to help feed producers and nutritionists make smarter decisions that enhance feed quality, reduce production costs, and improve shrimp farming profitability.