INTRODUCTION
In 2016, global fish production reached 171 million tonnes, of which aquaculture, or fish farming, accounts for 47%, i.e. 80 million tonnes. The turnover is estimated at 362 billion dollars, of which 232 billion for aquaculture.
From 1961 to 2016 the average annual increase in world fish consumption was 3.2%, greater than population growth: 1.6%, and than average meat consumption (all types of meat): 2.8 %.
Per capita consumption has grown from 9 Kg in 1961 to 20.2 Kg in 2015.
The fishing volume of wild fish has been relatively steady since the 1980s and fish farming is responsible for this significant growth. It still continues to grow more than any other food industry with an annual rate of over 5%.
Speaking of Italy: the data for 2020 indicate an average per capita consumption of 29 kg, against a European one of 22-23 Kg; with trout, sea bream and sea bass the most widely produced species.
FRAGOLA SPA AND FISH FEED
Why is Fragola spa a partner of leading multinational companies in the production of fish feed? What technological benefits does it offer in the fish feed production process?
With the design and construction of complete turnkey plants, we solve together all the challenges of a fish feed production plant, with technology that is perfected year after year:
Let’s take a look at the main challenges:
Coating:
the extruded product coating process is essential for the protein and lipid intake that fish need, a high nutritional value ensures best conversion rates and for this reason the vacuum coating technology is crucial. Thanks to our machines, the liquids sprayed in an environment with pressure values ranging from 400 to 200 mbar, are optimally absorbed inside the kibble (sponge effect) leaving the external surface dry, while adding up to 25% of liquid.
Fine grinding:
it is common knowledge that the first factor to ensure a good extrusion process is the grain size of the flour. The required fineness can be achieved by using high-performance mills, which can reach grain sizes of less than 200 microns with 50% of the quantity of the ground product. Fragola has produced a dedicated line: the MF120 high speed hammer mills.
In addition to this, Fragola offers a line of dedicated conveyors to safeguard the integrity of the kibble.
Fully automated dosing systems for the management of micro and medium nutrients.
Rapid mixing of raw materials and with variation coefficients of less than 3%.
Cooling efficiency with both static and rotary coolers.
Advanced systems for the recovery of extruded product waste at the beginning and end of the cycle and systems for partially drying kibble with high moisture content before being pneumatically conveyed to the dryer.