The French company Nacip Aquaculture has introduced a range of extruded larva feed that it has developed to be used either for weaning or as a substitute for live diet. Working closely with French research institutes, Nacip decided first to formulate a feed using "top quality raw materials". Protein content came from LT standard fish meal, concentrate fish soluble protein (CPSP) and lactic yeast - all chosen for good assimilation. Lipids are from a mix of oils, including cod liver and caplan oils, giving a high level of EPA and DHA - supplemented by phospholid, which helps make provitamins such as choline and inositol directly digestible. Glucides are from cooked starch.
Last part of the formulation is the vitamin content, such as vitamin C polyphosphate.
"We have four sizes of crumbs - 50 to 100 micro m, 100 to 200 micro m, 200 to 400 micro m and 400 to 600 micro m - and four pack sizes - 500 g, 5 kg and 10 kg boxes, and 25 kg plastic bags," says manager Jacques bain.
"You can keep this feed in a dry, cool place for up to six months after being manufactured."
Nacip also has a range of extruded and pressed pellet feeds for salmonids, prawns, etc.
Details: Nacip Aquaculture, Ucanor, route Rossault, 27110 Le Neubourg, France, fax: +33 2 32 35 47 21.
(article in Fish Farming International, December 1997, Vol. 24, No. 12)