Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized Medical Technology and Engineering IMTE
A large school of fishes swimming in the pacific waters of Palau, Micronesia
Fish nutrition and husbandry
Profile of the Group
The Fish Nutrition and Husbandry Working Group develops and evaluates innovative feed concepts, functional additives, and scientifically sound nutritional solutions for sustainable and high-performance aquaculture.
The Fraunhofer Society places a high priority on the responsible use of resources, which is essential in any forward-looking industry. This gives rise to various challenges not only in human nutrition but also in fish nutrition, which we address at Fraunhofer IMTE. In doing so, we do not overlook the closely related field of fish farming in order to develop concepts that are as comprehensive as possible.
Our research group focuses on the development and scientific evaluation of innovative feed concepts for aquaculture species. To this end, we investigate alternative sources of protein and lipids, assess the requirements for macro- and micronutrients, and analyze the bioavailability and efficacy of functional feed additives. A particular focus is on investigating limiting factors for the effectiveness of value-adding ingredients such as astaxanthin.
In addition, we conduct regulatory studies as part of the authorization process for feed additives in accordance with EFSA requirements. We also address issues related to the optimization of husbandry conditions and systems in order to take a comprehensive approach to nutritional and production-related aspects.
With our many years of expertise in the field of fish nutrition and husbandry, we are able to successfully carry out internal and external applied research and development projects and transfer the knowledge generated to the industry.
Research Areas
Regulatory Studies (EFSA)
Scientific Studies for the Approval Process of Feed Additives
Fraunhofer IMTE supports companies in the scientific evaluation and regulatory validation of feed additives for aquaculture species. To this end, we conduct controlled efficacy and safety studies in accordance with current regulatory requirements.
Our work includes, among other things, the investigation of functional additives, pigments, alternative ingredients, and nutritional mechanisms of action under practical conditions. In doing so, we generate reliable scientific data for product development, proof of efficacy, and regulatory approval procedures.
Through our expertise in fish nutrition, experimental design, and aquaculture management, we support industry partners in generating reliable data for approval procedures and product development in the international feed market.
Alternative raw materials
Replacing Fish Meal and Fish Oil with Sustainable Alternatives
One of the key challenges facing modern aquaculture is the development of sustainable alternatives to fish meal and fish oil for feeding aquaculture species.
Many commercially farmed fish species are naturally piscivorous, making marine raw materials an ideal basis for a diet tailored to their needs. At the same time, their availability, price trends, and ecological footprint are increasingly becoming limiting factors for sustainable aquaculture production.
As part of our research, we are therefore investigating alternative raw materials of plant origin, single-celled systems such as yeasts or fungi, as well as animal by-products from food and feed production. The goal is to identify and scientifically evaluate suitable raw materials for use in modern aquaculture feed.
In addition to nutritional suitability, our research focuses in particular on the sustainability, digestibility, and nutrient retention of the raw materials.
Furthermore, we evaluate the effects on growth, animal health, and product quality in order to specifically optimize identified limitations.
Feed additives
Research on functional ingredients such as minerals, pigments, amino acids, probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes
The increasing use of alternative raw materials in aquaculture feed presents new nutritional challenges. These include antinutritional factors, limited nutrient availability, and reduced digestibility of individual ingredients.
To address these challenges, the research group investigates the targeted use of functional feed additives. The focus includes minerals, pigments such as astaxanthin, amino acids, probiotics and prebiotics, as well as enzymes to improve digestibility, nutrient utilization, and animal health.
A particular emphasis is placed on the scientific evaluation of the bioavailability and efficacy of functional ingredients, as well as the development of resource- and environmentally-friendly feeding strategies. The goal is to optimize modern aquaculture feed in terms of performance, sustainability, and product quality.
Needs assessment
Determining the Micronutrient and Macronutrient Requirements of Aquaculture Species
Compared to traditional livestock farming, nutritional knowledge regarding many aquaculture species has been significantly more limited to date. At the same time, the diversity of organisms used in aquaculture is considerably greater than in terrestrial agriculture.
For numerous economically important species, only incomplete data on specific micro- and macronutrient requirements at different life stages are currently available. These knowledge gaps represent a major challenge for the development of needs-based, sustainable, and high-performance feeding strategies.
The Fish Nutrition and Husbandry research group therefore investigates the requirements of aquaculture-relevant species for essential amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and other nutrients. The goal is to establish the scientific foundation for efficient, animal-welfare-friendly, and resource-conserving aquaculture production.
Husbandry methods
Optimization of Rearing Methods and Parameters in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) enable the controlled and resource-efficient production of aquatic organisms by largely decoupling environmental factors such as climate, water supply, and photoperiod. For non-native species in particular, these systems offer the potential to establish more sustainable production concepts with reduced transport distances and lower environmental impact.
Successful rearing of aquaculture-relevant species in closed systems requires a detailed understanding of species-specific environmental and rearing requirements. The research group therefore specifically investigates the influence of various rearing parameters on animal health, growth, and performance of the organisms.
For this purpose, independent single-loop systems of various sizes are available, enabling a controlled, reproducible, and parallel investigation of different environmental and rearing parameters. This allows rearing concepts to be scientifically validated and optimized for research and industrial applications.
Services of the Group
Fish nutrition
- Evaluation of protein and fat alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil
- Improving the digestibility of various raw materials (e.g. through enzyme addition)
- Improving the palatability of feeds
- Evaluation of the environmental compatibility of raw materials & feeds
- Feed development
- Evaluation of feed raw materials and additives
- Determination of nutrient requirements of different established and potential aquaculture species
Fish farming
- Test and development of prototypes in the field of husbandry technology and water treatment
- Recirculation system management
- Materials research
- Environmental compatibility
- Plant and process engineering
- Measurement and control technology
- Determination and optimisation of husbandry conditions for various aquaculture-relevant animal species
- Tolerance studies
Services of the Group
Fish Nutrition
- Development and evaluation of innovative aquaculture feeds
- Investigation of alternative protein and lipid sources as substitutes for fish meal and fish oil
- Evaluation of functional feed additives
- Conducting efficacy and safety studies in accordance with EFSA guidelines
- Investigation of bioavailability, digestibility, and nutrient retention
- Optimization of palatability and feed intake
- Improvement of raw material utilization, e.g., through enzyme additives
- Determination of micro- and macronutrient requirements for aquaculture species
- Evaluation of the sustainability and environmental compatibility of raw materials and feeds
- Development of species-specific feeding strategies
fish farming
- Testing and development of prototypes in the fields of animal husbandry and water treatment
- Recirculating aquaculture system management
- Materials research
- Environmental sustainability of animal husbandry systems
- Plant and process engineering
- Measurement, control, and regulation technology
- Determination and optimization of husbandry conditions for various aquaculture species
- Tolerance studies under controlled conditions
