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Brief Overview

"Fish Meal" (FM) refers to any feed ingredient that is high in nutrients and utilized in cow diets. It is estimated that one ton of fishmeal requires four to five tons of whole fish. Most fish are considered industrial fish since they are primarily harvested for their flesh and oil. Because of its high protein, high vitamin and mineral content, readily digested energy, and superior supply of essential fatty acids (EFAs), fishmeal has long been the main source of protein in the aquafeed and agricultural sectors.

Manufacturing Process

The majority of fish used in commercial FM is considered inappropriate for direct human eating since it is small, fatty, and bony. Fishmeal is primarily made by removing the water and oil from the solids, however there are other steps involved as well.

1. Cooking

The tissue proteins in the fish coagulate as it goes through a screw conveyor cylinder covered in a steam jacket.

2. Pressing  

When the fish is cooked through, the liquid is pressed out. The solid residue that remains is called presscake. However, the fluid undergoes further processing following centrifugation in order to extract the oil from the dispersed particles and produce fish oil. Since the concentrated "stickwater" produced during the liquor treatment process can optionally be reintroduced back into the presscake, customers have the choice to purchase either the "whole" meal or only the "presscake" meal.

3. Drying  

Going back to the presscake, it is dried some further, either directly or indirectly, until the moisture content is low enough to keep it fresh for a long time while preventing the formation of germs and mold.

4. Grinding and packaging  

Fishmeal is treated and filtered to the proper particle size once it has properly dried. This enables it to be stored in silos or sent in bags to several companies throughout the globe.

Animal Feed Industry

Fish meal is rich in protein and an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. It is a staple in aquaculture diets due to its high protein content and superb amino acid balance for aquatic animals. It is suitable for pigs, chickens, and cattle as well.

Fertilizer Industry

High concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and other elements necessary for plant growth are naturally present in fish meal. It offers a balanced supply of essential nutrients that promote healthy plant growth and development when added to fertilizer mixtures.