Since the 1960s, Abernathy has had a Fish Feed Quality Control (FFQC) program for the hatcheries in the Pacific and Pacific Southwest Regions. Inspections are done at the feed mills when open formula feeds are made, and if there is a feed problem at the hatchery, that feed is analyzed at Abernathy. Otherwise, feeds are sampled quarterly at all the Pacific and Southwest Pacific Regions National Fish Hatcheries (NFH). The objective of the FFQC program is to determine the general chemical composition (in terms of proximate analysis – protein, lipid ash, moisture, vitamin and mineral) and to check for rancidity of commercial fish feeds used at Pacific Region and Pacific Southwest NFHs and to make sure feeds meet specifications and are good quality. Internationally standardized methods are used to analyze commercially produced fish feed samples for proximate composition. Interpretation of the results is provided to the hatchery and to the regional office. Fish health personnel are kept informed as well. Feed quality issues have been observed and corrective measures taken. Problems encountered have included protein, too low; lipid, both too high and too low; rancid feed; melamine contamination; old feed shipped to the hatchery; bag weights too light; and incorrect pellet size.
Research
