Cargill is looking to revolutionise how shrimp are being fed through its introduction of iQuatic ™, a first-of-its-kind shrimp feed produced exclusively for automated feeders using acoustic technology. iQuatic ™ feed will be available in Central and South America over the next few months.
Through this acoustic technology, the automatic feed dispensers use microphones to detect when shrimp are eating, enabling the system to deliver more precise amounts of food when shrimp are hungry. iQuatic ™ feed is designed and formulated with ingredients that help ensure that shrimp take in all the nutrients available in a pellet.
"Our iQuatic ™ feed gives shrimp farmers a big competitive advantage because it maximises feeding times," said Adel El-Mowafi, Cargill global technology director for aqua. "Giving shrimp food during their natural feeding patterns makes a huge impact on productivity, but the nutritional and functional design of the feed itself has to be right. Otherwise key nutrients can dissolve. This new feed leverages Cargill’s extensive research and development capabilities. Cargill is now able to give shrimp farmers the precise pellet qualities needed to help ensure productivity gains."
Automated feeders use the acoustic technology to understand the natural eating patterns of shrimp, resulting in improved efficiency. Because the shrimp make better use of the nutrients delivered, they grow faster and produce less waste. This results in improved feed conversion ratio and better water quality allowing for a more environmentally sustainable operation with healthier, larger shrimp.
"Our iQuatic ™ feed field trials have resulted in improved feed conversion ratios as much as 15 to 20 percent," said Martin Baertl, Cargill strategic marketing lead for aqua. "Our customised iQuatic ™ feed ingredients and nutrients are designed specifically for acoustic automated feed technology to meet distinct farming needs. This is a testament to listening to our customers and collaborating with our supply partners to deliver for them in new ways that help them grow better shrimp using precise amounts of feed."
