Understanding Aqua Nutrition: Foundations, Nutrient Groups, and Practical Applications

Progressus Agrischool Aqua Nutrition Training

Nutrition in aquaculture is an applied science that combines principles of biochemistry and physiology to explain the relationship between aquatic animals and their food. As aquaculture intensifies to meet global seafood demand, the formulation of complete and balanced feeds has become crucial. Each species—whether raised in freshwater, brackish, or marine systems—has specific nutritional needs influenced by its environment, life stage, and feeding behavior.

With feed costs representing the largest operating expense in aquaculture production, the success and profitability of a farm depend heavily on accurately meeting the nutrient requirements of farmed species. The diversity of aquatic species and their culture environments makes fish and shrimp nutrition both complex and dynamic.

Led by Dr. Noratat Prachom, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, and Adjunct Faculty at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), this session in the Aqua Nutrition course of Progressus Agrischool equips participants with a solid foundation in nutrient science and its practical application to aquafeed formulation.

The curriculum covers essential nutrient groups including proteins and amino acids, lipids and fatty acids, carbohydrates and energy, vitamins, minerals, and emerging nutrients. Participants gain insights into how nutritional requirements are determined through research and translated into effective feed formulations.

Key topics include:

• Proteins and Amino Acids: Evaluation of protein quality, effects of fish size and salinity on protein needs, protein:energy ratios, and supplementation using crystalline amino acids.

• Lipids and Fatty Acids: Understanding fatty acid classifications, the importance of optimal lipid levels, and their influence on fish growth and health.

• Carbohydrates and Energy: Factors affecting carbohydrate utilization across species, particularly carnivorous fish, and principles of bioenergetics including energy partitioning (digestible, metabolizable, net, and recovered energy).

• Vitamins: Differentiation of water- and fat-soluble vitamins, lipid-related variations in vitamin requirements, bioavailability from feed ingredients, and formulation strategies to mitigate processing losses.

• Minerals: Identification of macro and micro minerals, and the challenges in defining mineral needs in aquatic species.

• Potential Nutrients: Exploration of functional or conditionally essential nutrients such as taurine, highlighting the evolving nature of aquatic nutrition science.

  
  

This in-depth module provides participants with a clear understanding of the physiological and biochemical roles of nutrients and their importance in formulating efficient and sustainable diets for diverse aquaculture species.

The Aqua Nutrition course is part of Progressus’ AgriSchool training program, designed to equip professionals in the aquaculture industry with the latest knowledge in feed formulation, ingredient evaluation, nutrient digestibility, and sustainable farming practices. Through expert-led lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants gain practical tools to address real-world challenges in modern aquafeed production. The course brings together nutritionists, feed formulators, producers, and technical experts from across the region, fostering collaboration and innovation in aquaculture nutrition.

📅 More in-depth learning continues throughout the week — and if you missed this year’s course, don’t worry. Aqua Nutrition will return in 2026!