Future of aquaculture 'bright and shiny'

Sorgal is a company belonging to the holding Soja de Portugal, SGPS, SA, one of the largest feed companies in Portugal. With a history of more than 50 years, Sorgal has always approached the development of its activities focussing on animal welfare and feed safety as top priorities.

Sorgal believes that the future of aquaculture is only bright and shiny if questions of sustainability and farmer’s competitiveness are paid close attention to.

With this purpose, Sorgal is conducting research into using less fish products in feeds, including looking for alternatives, both animal (hidrolized proteins, blood proteins) and vegetable raw materials. A real effort is made in choosing European suppliers in order to reduce environmental logistic costs and dependence of third countries. Sorgal strongly believes that aquaculture is the way of bringing fresh fish to every home with a reasonable cost, alleviating the pressure on wild fish stocks.

Seabream and seabass are the major species produced in Iberia, but other candidates are arriving. Meagre is the following candidate, but first trials with amberjacks are also promising. Sole is an old candidate: very interesting results obtained in a Sorgal’s R&D European funded project gave some hope in reaching the optimal solution for feeding growing fish of this highly-prized species.

Seabass and seabream's most successful feeds will be presented, but also will feeds with very low amount of fishmeal, coming out of Sorgal’s R&D program.

Novel feeds for meagre will be presented and high energy floating feeds for rainbow trout. This line of products (SUPREME), presents the highest innovation and are developed for easier feeding routines.

Turbot feeds are designed to match high protein demands in a well-balanced formula. The outcome of years of research, this line of premium feeds answers to the demanding intensive recirculation systems used in turbot production.