Fish Meal (65%) - Thailand

Brief Overview

Fishmeal (FM) is a generic term used for nutrient-rich feed ingredient used in the diets of livestock. To produce 1 ton of fishmeal, it is estimated to require 4 to 5 tons of whole fish. The fishes that are caught are considered industrial as most of them are caught for the sole purpose of fishmeal and fish oil production. Traditionally, fishmeal has been the main source of protein in both agriculture and aquafeed industries because of its excellent source of essential fatty acids (EFAs), its high proteins, minerals and vitamins content and its digestible energy.  

Manufacturing Process

Most commercial FM is made from predominantly small, oily and bony fishes that are considered not suitable for human consumption directly. To produce fishmeal, there are several steps involved, but the main principle involves separation of the oil and water from the solids.

1. Cooking

The fish moves through a screw conveyor cylinder equipped with a steam jacket, which coagulates the tissue proteins in the process.  

2. Pressing  

Once it is cooked, the fish is pressed to remove the liquor produced from cooking it. The solid residue that remains is called the presscake. On the other hand, the liquor is centrifuged to separate the oil from the suspended solids and is sent to further processing to produce fish oil. The concentrated “stickwater” produced from treating the liquor can be optionally added back to the presscake, therefore one can choose to purchase between “whole” meal or just “presscake” meal.  

3. Drying  

Going back to the presscake, it is then dried using either a direct or indirect drying, so that the moisture content is low enough to lengthen its shelf life and prevent growth of mold and bacteria.  

4. Grinding and packaging  

Once the fishmeal is dried enough, it is grounded and screened to the correct particle size to be stored in silos or packed into bags, ready to be delivered to many companies across the world.

Animal Feed Industry

Fish meal is a high protein source for feed material, it is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals.  It is particularly popular in aquaculture feeds because of its high protein content and excellent amino acid balance for aquatic animals. Besides of that, it is also suitable for pig, poultry, and cattle.

Fertilizer Industry

Naturally occurring fish meal is high in potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and other minerals needed for plant growth. It offers a balanced combination of essential nutrients when added to fertilizer formulas, encouraging the healthy growth and development of plants.