Study of metal foreign matters in starter compound feeds for aquaculture

Background. The article presents results of the investigation of metal foreign matter content in starter compound feeds for aquaculture objects. Metallomagnetic particles can get into compound feeds at different stages of their production, which is dangerous for fish health, especially at the early stages of their development. The relevance of the study is due to the increase in production of valuable fish species in aquaculture and the need to improve the quality of compound feeds. In the course of the analysis the sources of contamination were identified and measures for their elimination were proposed, which contributes to improving the conditions of fish farming and increasing its productivity. The importance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of their practical application for the optimization of technological processes of feed production, which will reduce the content of impurities and improve the quality of products, which, in turn, will contribute to the development of aquaculture and food security.

Purpose. The objective of the present study is to investigate methods for providing food safety of starter compound feeds for aquaculture.

Materials and methods. In the production of starter compound feeds, we measured the amount of metallomagnetic impurities, according to GOST 31484-2012 (GOST – Russian National Standard). Preliminary grinding in a porcelain mortar to the state of homogeneous mass, 4 control measurements were carried out, the results of which are reflected in the article. Three measurement repetitions were carried out using a horseshoe magnet with a magnetic induction value of 0.12 Tesla. The fourth one was performed with the help of the device “UZ-DIMP” for extraction of metallomagnetic impurities with the value of magnetic induction 0.2 Tesla. The metallomagnetic impurities were collected from the surface of the screen of non-magnetic material placed on top of the magnet. Placing the collected material on paper, we determine the size and measure the mass of impurities on analytical scales. Subtracting the mass of paper, we obtain the value of the mass of metallomagnetic impurities.

Results. In the course of the study, measurements of the content of metallomagnetic impurities in starter compound feeds for aquaculture facilities were carried out. The results confirmed the presence of these impurities, indicating the need for stricter quality control at all feed production stages. Metallomagnetic particles, which may enter the feed during its pelleting or grinding, pose a risk to fish health, especially at the stage of their early development, when sensitivity to external factors is at its maximum.

The relevance of this study is due to the growing demand for aquaculture products in the context of global food security. In recent years, in Russia and other countries, there has been an active development of fish farming, which requires an increase in feed quality standards. Since compound feed is the main source of nutrients for fish, control of its purity and composition is of strategic importance for the health of aquatic bioresources and increasing their productivity.

Conclusion. The importance of the obtained results lies in their practical application. Detection of sources of metallomagnetic impurities in mixed fodders allows to optimize technological processes aimed at reducing feed contamination, and contributes to the development of methods of effective elimination of such impurities. This, in turn, will lead to improved growth and survival rates of fish, reducing the cost of prevention and treatment of diseases caused by the presence of foreign particles in feed.

Thus, the results of the study contribute to improving the quality of feed production and strengthening the aquaculture sector, which is particularly important in the face of increasing demand for environmentally friendly products and resources for sustainable fish farming.