Steam dried fish meal is a high-protein feed ingredient that is commonly used in the animal feed industry. It is made by cooking, pressing, and drying whole fish or fish trimmings to remove water and oil, resulting in a dry, concentrated product.
The process involves steaming the fish to denature the enzymes, pressing to remove the liquid and oil, and then drying the resulting solid material to reduce the moisture content to less than 10%. The final product is a fine powder that is typically used in the production of animal feed, particularly for aquaculture, poultry, and swine.
Steam dried fish meal is a rich source of protein and essential amino acids, which are necessary for animal growth and development. It is also a good source of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and trace elements like selenium and iodine, which are important for animal health.
The quality of steam dried fish meal depends on the species of fish used, the processing conditions, and the storage conditions. High-quality fish meal should have a high protein content, low ash content, low moisture content, and a low level of contaminants such as heavy metals and bacteria.
Overall, steam-dried fish meal is a valuable ingredient in animal feed formulations, providing a high-quality source of protein and other essential nutrients.