Studies

CASE STUDIES OF THE SCIENTIFIC BENEFITS OF VAF PRODUCTS

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PAPER

FEED BLOCKS REDUCE CATARACTS BY 77%, IMPROVING EFFICACY OF LUMPFISH

A recent study conducted by researchers in Iceland, Norway and the UK compared the effects of VAF feed blocks against another pellet feed on lumpfish. It was discovered that the pellet fed fish had an 87% cataract prevalence during the period of study, compared to only 10% in those using VAF feed blocks.

While the pellet fed fish had a 52% higher growth rate on average, the researchers noted that rapid growth rates are considered disadvantageous to the efficacy of using lumpfish as a cleaner species. They concluded that Vita Aqua Feeds blocks have considerable application for use in commercial aquaculture.

https://thefishsite.com/articles/why-feed-blocks-could-improve-the-efficacy-of-cleaner-fish

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PAPER

STABLE GROWTH RATES OF LUMPFISH FED WITH FEED BLOCKS

Through extensive trials, it has been concluded that VAF feed blocks are far more effective as a means of feeding and maintaining cleaner fish than a pellet feed. As livestock, such as salmon, do not interact with the feed blocks, they become a diet targeted specifically at the cleaner species.

In addition to improving the general health and welfare of the lumpfish, it was found that the diets promote a stable growth rate, as opposed to rapid and high growth, with a mean weight that was 52% lower than fish fed with a different commercially available lumpfish feed.

FEED BLOCK DIET EFFECTS ON FEEDING BEHAVIOUR & REDUCTION OF AGGRESSION

Study shows that lumpfish will readily graze from feed blocks when presented in a way that allows them to do so. In addition, the acclimation period required before the fish will utilise them was found to be relatively short.

From a practical standpoint, the blocks are able to be strategically positioned about the cage in order to ensure that all fish are able to get a sufficient share of the feed. This in turn reduces aggression as the fish are able to graze in a natural manner.