Development of Manufacturing Technology for the Practical Application of Specialized and Environmentally Sensitive Nutrients, Enzymes, Immune-Stimulating Compounds and Biologics to Aquafeeds

In an effort to support the development of a domestic marine aquaculture industry, Zeigler Bros. Inc., (ZBI) proposes to continue its Phase I research by demonstrating the ability to scale up inclusion particle (IP) manufacturing. During Phase II ZBI will also demonstrate the efficacy of IOs for orally delivering phytase and probiotics to marine finfish. These efforts will directly address the primary limiting factors of the development of a domestic marine aquaculture industry; nutrient utilization, pollution, and disease management. During Phase I ZBI did demonstrate the efficacy of a feed-based anti-viral delivery platform, significantly improving survivability of pacific white legged shrimp (Panaeus vannamel) when challenged with White Spot Syndrome Virus with lab-scale production. The next logical step is to transition into a manufacturing project, adapting the laboratory techniques and equipment into a R&D prototype inclusion particle production line (IPPL) capable of manufacturing larger batches of IPs and flexible enough to allow for multiple test molecules, such as phytase, probiotics or anti-virals. ZBI proposes to develop the prototype manufacturing line, train employees to operate the line, manufacture multiple IP formulations containing anti-virals, phytase and probiotics separately, and manufacture complete feeds to be used in validation studies with marine aquaculture animals.