More fish will be needed to feed the rapidly growing world population that is expected to double i.e., 15 billion by 2100.
Aquatic food is the largest source of high-quality animal protein1. The required increase in supply for additional people needs to come from aquaculture (Figure 1). Annual aquaculture production has grown by over 500% from less than 15 million mt during 1986-95.
An estimated 156.4 million mt aquatic food was consumed in 20182. More than half (82 mt million) came from aquaculture.
A rapidly growing aquaculture industry needs more feed which is the major input that accounts for up to 70-80% of the production cost.
Figure 1. Cage culture in rivers and lakes is a growing feedlot Aquaculture in Asia.
High cost and low feed quality are the major problems.
Micotoxins - A hidden problem Feed quality depends mainly on the ingredients used and the level of mycotoxin contamination.
Mycotoxins are quite common in food and feed (Figures 2 and 3).
Figure 2. Grains used as ingredients for fish/animal feed. Figure 3. Training on feed formulation using linear programming and manufacturing organized at Aqua-Centre, AIT, Thailand (for more information: [email protected]).
Potential economic losses and human health hazards due to mycotoxins have not been completely interiorized. ⇰ There is a need to create awareness and make people understand the gravity of the problem. Figure 4. Feed with molds due to problem during storage.
Micotoxicosis prevention