Recent research showed that a new feed additive derived from sugarcane can provide key benefits such as improved growth rates and feed conversion ratios in shrimp and fish.

A recent study implied that sugarcanes will be more significant for the feed industry in the near future. According to aquafeed.com, trials with the patented additive Polygain, produced by Australian company The Product Makers (TPM), were conducted by Dr. SK. Ahmad-Al-Nahid, Head, Department of Fisheries, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Bangladesh. Dr. Nahid and his team of experts carried out extensive dose response trials on three prominent aquaculture species in Bangladesh: pangus (Pangasius hypophthalmus), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). Some of the key benefits demonstrated during the trials include improvement in feed conversion ratio – current feed additives yield 1kg shrimp for 1.6kg standard feed, as opposed to TPM’s feed additive that yields 1kg shrimp for 1.15 kg feed additive. In addition, TPM’s feed additives resulted in larger shrimp and fish. Dr. Nahids trials identified the important addition rate of the feed additives for each of the trialed species. The optimum addition rate was determined after carrying out extensive dose response trials. “The aim of the University trials, were to confirm the suitability of natural polyphenol product in commercial fish and prawn pellets used at low doses," said Dr. Nahid. "The industry has been looking for a natural non antibiotic based growth improver and this has the potential to expand the value and volume of exports.”