Fish Meal (60%) - India

Brief Overview

The general word for nutrient-rich feed ingredient used in cattle diets is fishmeal (FM). It is believed that 4 to 5 tons of whole fish are needed to make 1 ton of fishmeal. Since the majority of fish are only harvested for their meat and oil, the fish that are caught are regarded as industrial fish. Due to its high protein, high mineral and vitamin content, easily digested energy, and great source of essential fatty acids (EFAs), fishmeal has historically been the primary source of protein in both the aquafeed and agricultural industries.

Manufacturing Process

The majority of fish used in commercial FM is tiny, oily, and bony, and is therefore deemed unfit for direct human consumption. Although there are a few phases involved in making fishmeal, separating the water and oil from the solids is the fundamental process.

1. Cooking

The fish passes through a steam jacketed screw conveyor cylinder, coagulating the tissue proteins in the process.

2. Pressing  

The fish is pressed once it has finished cooking in order to extract the liquid. Presscake is the term for the solid residue that is left over. To make fish oil, on the other hand, the fluid is put through additional processing after being centrifuged to remove the oil from the suspended particulates. One has the choice to purchase either the "whole" meal or simply the "presscake" meal since the concentrated "stickwater" that is created during the liquor treatment process can be optionally reintroduced back to the presscake.  

3. Drying  

Returning to the presscake, it is further dried, either directly or indirectly, until the moisture level is low enough to prolong its shelf life and inhibit the formation of germs and mold. 

4. Grinding and packaging  

After the fishmeal has sufficiently dried, it is ground and screened to the appropriate particle size so that it may be placed into bags or kept in silos and shipped to several businesses worldwide.

Animal Feed Industry

In addition to being a good source of calcium, phosphate, and other minerals, fish meal has a high protein content. Because of its excellent amino acid balance for aquatic animals and high protein content, it is especially popular in aquaculture feeds. In addition, it is appropriate for cattle, pigs, and poultry.

Fertilizer Industry

Fish meal is naturally rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients essential for plant growth. When used in fertilizer formulations, it provides a balanced mix of these nutrients, promoting healthy plant growth and development.