A-Systems attended two workshops that the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) held in Mexico and Ecuador in August. The events were focused on sustainable aquafeed formulation using soy and its byproducts. Formulations were based on the IAFFD database and the Allix3 Formulation Software.
The IAFFD is the first standardized, commercially viable, publicly available formulation database for aquaculture. The database was developed to target and train aquaculture formulators in large groups, similar to what was done by USSEC with the terrestrial animal industry. USSEC has also developed the IAFFD to help support the farmers to make well-balanced aquafeed. Allix3 Formulation Software supported the event since it has numerous functionalities and includes the latest advanced features available in the market.
Aquafeeds are becoming complex mixtures of an ever-increasing number of ingredients of plant, animal and microbial origin. Feed manufacturers require robust but highly flexible tools to assist them in the formulation of cost-effective feeds. Furthermore, socioeconomic factors, local preferences and competition result in significant market segmentation.
With around 40 attendees in each workshop, the events were presented by Dr. Bureau from Guelph University and local USSEC representatives, Mark Newman and Jairo Amezquita. This was the first workshop for the America’s region which focused more directly on commercial aquaculture formulators. USSEC plans to make these formulation workshops a yearly event as the IAFFD incorporates the issues, suggestions and lessons learned from site use. The IAFFD will be one of USSEC’s key programs moving forward to directly target the increasing use of U.S. soy products in aquaculture diets.
