Cost-effective Feed Formulation for Malabar Snapper (Lutjanus Malabaricus)

The Malabar snapper (Lutjanus malabricus) is a highly sought-after carnivorous fish species, extensively cultured in Singapore and the Indo-Pacific region. Despite its aquaculture significance, no commercial feeds specifically designed to meet its nutritional requirements are available. Instead, production relies on generic diets, which are not cost-effective nor optimized for Malabar snapper’s growth and well-being. This existing practice not only drives up feed costs but also hampers productivity and increases the species' vulnerability to diseases.

To address these challenges, a tailored feed formulation for Malabar snapper has been developed to minimize reliance on fish meal by incorporating cost-effective, locally sourced alternative protein ingredients. This innovative approach is designed to optimize growth performance, enhance nutrient utilization, and strengthen health outcomes in Malabar snapper aquaculture.

This specialised feed has been developed to meet the dietary requirements of Malabar Snapper, optimising growth, health, and feed efficiency. The formulation consists of a balanced proportion of proteins, carbohydrates, and oils, supplemented with essential micro-ingredients. A co-rotational twin-screw extruder was used to ensure uniform mixing of the ingredients and dried on a fluidized bed dryer to maintain pellet structure. This advanced processing technology employs precise control over moisture, temperature, and processing speed, ensuring enhanced pellet quality and energy-efficient production.

• Aquaculture feed producers seeking to eliminate the need for extensive research and development in creating a species-specific feed for Malabar snapper
• Malabar Snapper farmers in Singapore and Indo-Pacific region

• Species-Specific Nutrition: Tailored to meet the dietary requirements of Malabar snapper, addressing gaps in existing generic marine fish feeds.
• Proven Farm-Level Performance: Validated under real farm conditions, demonstrating abilities in reducing production time by 17%; improving feed conversion ratio by 25%; and decreasing feed costs by 27%.
• Sustainability: Reduced reliance on fish meal by including cost-effective, locally available alternative protein sources.
• High-Quality Manufacturing: Advanced extrusion and drying processes ensure consistent pellet quality and nutritional value, enhancing feed efficiency.