Krill meal is a nutritious supplement or feed ingredient derived from krill, small marine crustaceans. It is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various essential nutrients, making it valuable for animal and fish nutrition.
Krill Powder, Krill Flour, Krill Feed, Krill-based Meal, Crustacean Meal, Antarctic Krill Product, Euphausiid Meal. Generally refer to products made from processed krill that are used as ingredients in animal and fish feeds.
Table of Contents
Nutritional values
Overview of the nutritional values of krill meal as a feed ingredient.
| Nutrient | Value per 100g |
|---|---|
| Protein | 60-70 g |
| Fat | 10-20 g |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 2-4 g |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 0.5-2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5-15 g |
| Fiber | 2-5 g |
| Ash | 10-15 g |
| Astaxanthin | Variable |
| Choline | 500-1000 mg |
| Phosphorus | 800-1200 mg |
| Calcium | 100-500 mg |
| Vitamins (B, E) | Variable |
| Minerals (Zinc, Iron) | Variable |
Benefits of krill meal in shrimp and fish feed
Using krill meal in shrimp and fish feed offers several benefits:
Nutritional Quality
Krill meal is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to healthy growth, development, and immune function in shrimp and fish.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The omega-3 fatty acids in krill and meals, such as EPA and DHA, have been linked to improved heart health, enhanced growth rates, and better stress tolerance in aquatic species.
Astaxanthin
Krill naturally contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, and pigment. Astaxanthin supplementation through krill meal can enhance the coloration of shrimp and fish, making them more visually appealing to consumers.
Digestibility
Krill meal is highly digestible due to its small particle size and nutritional composition, leading to efficient nutrient absorption and reduced waste production.
Improved Feed Conversion
Including krill in the diet can enhance feed conversion ratios, meaning that a higher percentage of the feed is converted into animal biomass, ultimately increasing production efficiency.
Immune Support
The bioactive compounds found in the meal, including chitin and various antioxidants, can contribute to improved immune responses and disease resistance in shrimp and fish.
Sustainability
Krill are considered a sustainable marine resource, as they have a high reproductive rate and are found in well-regulated fisheries. Using krill meal in feeds aligns with sustainable sourcing practices.
Best quality krill meal-producing country in the world
- Norway: Norway is a significant player in the krill harvesting and processing industry. Norwegian companies are known for their advanced processing technologies and stringent quality control standards.
- Antarctica (Various Countries): Krill is primarily harvested from the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. Multiple countries, including Norway, China, and others, have vessels that participate in krill fishing in this region.
- Chile: Chile has also been involved in krill harvesting and processing. Chilean companies have been investing in krill processing technology and sustainability practices.
- Japan: Some Japanese companies use krill processing and may produce high-quality krill-based products.
Popular Topics: Nutrition of Sunflower meal as a feed ingredient for livestock.
