De Heus expands aqua farming research capabilities for marine species

In order to deliver the best nutritional concepts, the most efficient and sustainable formulations and to stay at the forefront of aqua nutrition innovation De Heus keeps on investing in its R&D capabilities. Two new systems have been constructed at the 5.5 ha R&D aqua farm of De Heus in the Vinh Long Province, Vietnam to investigate and develop nutritional innovations for crustacean and marine species like Asian sea bass.

The new marine R&D facility is conveniently located in the proximity of the recently opened dedicated shrimp feed factory, to ensure the latest developments and findings are implemented smoothly in the feed production. As emphasized by Mr Johan van den Ban, General Director De Heus Vietnam, “at De Heus we are ready to further develop the Vietnamese shrimp industry. This investment again shows our commitment towards our customers in Vietnam and beyond”.

Celebrating the inauguration of the new lines by Mr Koen de Heus, CEO De Heus Animal Nutrition, he recognized the efforts of the Vietnamese and global R&D teams, who have been closely involved in the design, construction and testing of the new lines. “This new facility will grow our global expertise on aqua farming to benefit our shrimp and marine fish customers. The aqua R&D team in Vietnam supports our business world-wide with their expertise and trials.”   

These new recirculated aqua systems (RAS) will be used for different types of trials, for example digestibility trials, nutrient and novel raw material evaluations.  Parameters like salinity, composition and temperatures can be varied, mimicking different environments and seasons.  Precise dosing and detailed analysis methods are carried out by a well-trained crew of experts. “This way we deliver precise formulation recommendations and thorough testing of new concepts, which brings efficiency and innovation to our customers” Dr Dylan Tien, aqua R&D Team Leader, stated.

The inauguration ceremony was followed by a tour through the new facility to show the set-up and to accommodate further questions from the small team of international De Heus visitors.

Dr Alexandros Samartzis, Nutrition and support director Asia, is now, after this successful opening, delighted to extend the invitation towards interested customers and aqua R&D partners to come and visit the extension of the aqua R&D farm and to discuss how to further create optimal and sustainable nutritional solutions to continue supporting the advancement of the aquaculture industry.