Aquaponics development: new nutritional challenges for fish and crustaceans

Aquaponics refers to a technique that combines aquaculture and plant cultivation (fruits, vegetables, herbs ...). Fish such as tilapia, trout, perch or ornamental fish can actually be reared in such environments. Aquaponics also allows for high yields and production of quality fruits and vegetables in a small space. 

Aquaponics relies on a good balance between three interrelated components: animals (fish or crustaceans), plants and bacteria. In this context, plants feed on fish and crustaceans’ metabolic effluents in order to grow. In other words, nitrogen wastes excreted by fish are transformed by microorganisms into food for plants. This conversion allows for optimal use of aquaculture inputs and minimal production wastes.

Aquaponics methods require a thorough command of aquaculture and horticulture. In such contexts, it is strictly prohibited to use antibiotics or weed killers as these products are a major threat to maintaining the other compartments of the system healthy.

Animal feed constitute a major input of aquaponics. The composition of feed must indeed meet the nutritional requirements of fish and animals reared in these systems. This component must also fit in well with the other compartments of the system. For instance the formulation of certain feed can be, in some cases, adjusted.

Beyond feed formulation, the composition of vitamins premixes, particularly of minerals, must be thoroughly reflected. This alternative works as an interesting way to better match animal residues to plant requirements.