Extrusion technology is of key importance in marine fish feed production.  Although the technology is not new, understanding the proper handling of the extrusion process is still an issue for those who work with high levels of protein and fat in fish diets.
To promote the optimized use of U.S. Soy products in aquafeeds, USSEC held extrusion seminars in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City on March 7 and Hai Duong on March 9, targeting aqua feedmills focused on slow sinking feed for marine fish species.  Invited participants were fish nutritionists and feed production managers.
USSEC Vietnam Technical Manager Vo Hoang Nguyen started the seminar by introducing USSEC and its Southeast Asian aquaculture program, highlighting the role of USSEC as the international marketing arm of the U.S. soybean industry funded by U.S. soybean farmers through the checkoff program.
USSEC consultant Dr. Mian Riaz of Texas A&M University gave a presentation raising the specific issues of slow sinking feed.  He pointed out the role of soybeans in contributing to functional protein which improves binding and pellet durability.
The seminars were characterized by active interaction.  Participants raised questions on how to differentiate between the good and weak binding capacities of different protein sources, and how to maximize lipid inclusion levels.  They discussed the application of new innovation of extruders with conical, co-rotating system and backpressure valve (BPV), innovations that allow for high fat inclusion and online adjustments while the system is in operation.
These principles and conditions necessary for the production of slow-sinking feed by extrusion technology were well received by participants as this knowledge could be applied in the production of marine fish feed in Vietnam.  The technical seminar also helps to promote better utilization of U.S. soybeans in aquaculture in Vietnam.
On March 8, USSEC hosted a training session on extrusion trouble-shooting for technical production staff of Green Feed Company in Long An province.  The training leaned toward more specific issues in the company’s daily production, such as operational parameters for the extruder, the optimum retention time in conditioners, and how to mix soy lecithin into feed mash.
Through this event, USSEC was able to reach out to feed mill companies in Vietnam by promoting the value of good quality feed. The seminar and training also helped convince marine fish farmers of the need to switch from trash fish to pellet feed for better performance and more environmentally sustainable practices with soy-fed fish.