A sustainable industry
Fishmeal and fish oil production
Fishmeal
Fishmeal is a dried marine powder. Danish fishmeal consists in average of 71% fish protein and 8 % fish oil. The rest is minerals and water.
Fishmeal is an important and very digestible fish protein and fish oil ingredient in feeds and is used for the production of feed for aquaculture and agriculture.
Fishmeal has several nutritional qualities, which makes it attractive as a protein supplement in feed for aquaculture and animal husbandry e.g. poultry, piglets, young calves/lambs, furred animals, pets and in fish and shrimps.
Fish oil
Fish oil is 100% marine oil and have a high content of very essential omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil is mainly used for the production of feed for farmed fish and the production of refined fish oil for human consumption.
Production process
The short-lived species used for the production of fishmeal and fish oil goes through a production process, which simplified, consist of boiling, separation, drying and milling.
- The raw material is boiled in its own juice by an indirect supply of steam.
- Pressing of the raw materials results in a solid fraction – the presscake – and a liquid fraction – the presswater.
- A decanter processes the liquid from which the solids are separated and returned to the presscake.
- The fish oil is removed from the liquid fraction by centrifuging.
- The remaining liquid called “stickwater” is evaporated. The resulting product is called solubles.
- In the dryer the presscake and the solubles are dried by means of indirect steam to a fishmeal with a moisture content of 5-10%.
- The fishmeal is added antioxidant, cooled and milled to form the product. After control and analysis the fishmeal is ready for packaging and delivery.
For more information read the report from Nordic Centre of Excellence Network in Fishmeal and Fish oil – click here
