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More research initiatives for Danish fish feed firm

The new research facility will allow both larval rearing and production of live feed, according to BioMar.

The company recently streamlined its product portfolio and adopted new innovations and functional raw materials in their Larviva hatchery range to maximize health and performance. “The new research facilities will enable BioMar to continue to drive breakthrough innovation in the hatchery feed segment,” the company said.

The opening of the new hatchery research and development facilities is the second of a three-phased strategic plan for the segment. BioMar announced last year heavy investment in the area including the establishment of a business unit in Nersac, France, headed by Chris Dinneweth, and the expansion of the fry feed production line in Brande, Denmark, expected later in 2019.

Related: BioMar adds new specialized line in Denmark

“We see significant growth potential in the hatchery feed segment,” said Ole Christensen, vice-president of EMEA at BioMar. “Our new research facilities will help us continue to evolve our larval feed range while allowing us to respond faster to market and customer needs.”

The ATC Hirtshals now houses 24 RAS larval rearing trial units ranging from 50 to 100 litres, all operating under strict controlled conditions. The new system allows for fine-tuning protocols for larval rearing as well as the production of live feed, including rotifers and artemia. BioMar have complete control within the trial units including temperature, salinity, photoperiod and light-intensity allowing for strongly replicated trials and the ability to work on a range of marine species, the company said.

“The launch of the hatchery trial facility at our ATC Hirtshals is a significant boost to the BioMar hatchery business unit, which will allow us to undertake in-house marine fish larvae feed trials. We look forward to developing and bringing to the market new and exciting innovations in hatchery feeds,” Christensen said.