Polyhalite Fish Feed Composition for Lower-Cost Low-Waste Aquaculture

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and environmental impact of fish feeds, primarily due to the use of fishmeal and the resulting nitrogenous and phosphorous waste, pose challenges in aquaculture, affecting profitability and water quality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of Polyhalite, a hydrated sulfate of Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium, into fish feed at concentrations of 0.5%-5% w/w, particularly 1%-3% w/w, as a protein substitute, enhancing feed utilization and reducing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If fishmeal is used as the primary protein source in fish feed, then the protein content and growth support are improved, but the feed cost increases and environmental pollution worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotein contentVSAvoidnitrogenous waste and phosphorous pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the feed by incorporating polyhalite, which provides sulfur and trace minerals that alter how fish metabolize protein. This allows for reduced protein degradation and associated waste production while maintaining growth support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite feed formulation combining polyhalite with traditional feed components. This composite approach replaces部分 fishmeal with polyhalite-based nutrient sources, reducing both cost and environmental impact while maintaining nutritional adequacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If fishmeal is used as the primary protein source in fish feed, then the protein content is improved, but the feed cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotein contentVSAvoidfeed cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive fishmeal with cheaper alternative nutrient sources including polyhalite, which provides essential minerals and sulfur. This replacement reduces feed cost while maintaining the necessary nutritional profile for fish growth

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the nutritional parameter profile of the feed by adding polyhalite, which provides sulfur and trace minerals that enhance protein utilization efficiency. This allows for reduced overall protein content while maintaining growth support, thereby reducing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If high protein content is maintained in fish feed, then growth support is improved, but nitrogenous waste production increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth rateVSAvoidnitrogenous waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the metabolic parameters by providing sulfur and trace minerals through polyhalite, which improves protein utilization efficiency. This allows fish to convert more of the protein they consume into growth rather than excreting it as waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the feed formulation to self-regulate protein metabolism through the inclusion of polyhalite, which provides nutrients that optimize amino acid utilization and reduce the need for excessive protein intake to achieve target growth rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12538934B2Polyhalite enriched fish feed

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 ICL EURO COOPERATIEF U A

AI summary

There is provided a fish feed composition comprising Polyhalite in a concentration between 0.5%-5% w/w.