USSEC concluded a feeding demonstration in Costa Rica that took place over the past three months.  Consultant Jairo Amezquita travelled to Costa Rica to analyze and discuss results with the aquaculture farm and the feed manufacturer.  The objective of the feeding demonstration was to evaluate the performance of high inclusions of soy protein concentrate (SPC) in aquafeed for red snapper fish.  The feed was manufactured by a local aquafeed mill.  Two diets were tested: one contained SPC and the other was the current feed used by the farm as a control.

During this feeding demonstration, a total of 2,040 fish were distributed in 12 experimental cages.  Many growing parameters were recorded and compared between the fish fed with SPC and the fish fed with other protein sources.  The feed containing SPC produced superior results over the other diet, leading to the conclusion that SPC can be safely used in the feeding of red snapper.  These results will be used to continue the promotion of U.S soybean products in aquaculture.