Processed animal proteins (PAPs) in aquafeed formulations in Europe

The re-introduction of processed animal proteins (PAPs) derived from Category 3 materials deemed fit for human consumption from non-ruminant sources is due within the EU member states from June, 2013 under revised legislation. The use of PAPs in all farmed animal diets, including those of fish, was banned in the EU in 2001 (part of animal health protection measures against Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). 

Consequently, the EU aquaculture sector was disadvantaged within the global aquaculture market and alternative sources of protein (principally plant by-products such as soybean meal, various pulses and grain protein concentrates) were the main commodities used in combination with fishmeal. Animal by-products are however a valuable protein resource that have been avoided for over a decade and this has constrained the potential to reduce our dependence on marine sources of both protein and fat for aquafeeds. 

Strategic research conducted by the Plymouth University Fish Nutrition and Aquaculture Health group from 2005 to 2011 commissioned by Stephen Woodgate (previously technical Director of EFPRA; European Fat Processors and Renderers Association) resulted in several peer-reviewed publications (Davies et al 2009; Laporte, 2007). These investigations validated the safety and efficacy of poultry by-product meat meals, feather meals and porcine blood proteins for use in diets for trout, sea bass, sea bream, turbot, tilapia and carp. 

This work, carried out under Professor Simon Davies, has clearly demonstrated the feasibility of replacing fishmeal with these products at high inclusion levels resulting in excellent growth, feed efficiency and added health benefits for these species. 
 

Whilst having excellent digestibility characteristics, poultry by-products were shown to increase bone density, support the immune response of fish and providing effective replacement of fish meal at up to 50 percent without compromising growth and development of fish. These investigations were highlighted in documentation forwarded by EFPRA to the EU (European Food Safety Agency, EFSA as supporting evidence to reconsider their introduction in aqua-feeds produced in Europe.