Feeding fish with corn leftovers – here is why it works so well

Corn gluten meal (CGM) is a high-protein byproduct of the wet milling process of corn, where starch and oil are extracted, leaving behind protein-rich leftovers. Despite its name, it’s not the kind of “gluten” that gives bread its stretch - that’s wheat gluten. Think of corn gluten as more of a protein cousin, not a culinary sibling. Despite its name, corn gluten contains no gluten as found in wheat, rye, or barley. The word “gluten” here just refers to protein content.

Corn gluten meals are packed with value in aquaculture nutrition. With 60–70% protein on a dry matter basis, plus functional compounds like carotenoids, CGM is doing a lot of hard work in modern fish and shrimp diets. Fish don’t just need protein; they need digestible protein. One of corn gluten’s major strengths is its well-balanced amino acid profile, with good levels of methionine, which is often limited in other plant proteins. Its high digestibility makes it an excellent contributor to growth performance in many aquaculture species.

Additionally, CGM contains natural antioxidants, which support overall fish health and oxidative stability. Its low starch content makes it suitable for species with limited carbohydrate tolerance. It also contributes essential micronutrients such as B vitamins, phosphorus, and trace minerals, supporting metabolic function and bone health.

CGM is obviously a sustainability star. It repurposes a by-product of corn processing, reducing waste, and cuts reliance on overfished or environmentally costly ingredients like fishmeal and soybean meal. In a world where fishmeal is increasingly expensive and environmentally questionable, CGM shines as a sustainable, circular economic solution:

·        It’s a byproduct, meaning it adds value to what would otherwise be waste.

·        It reduces reliance on wild-caught fishmeal, supporting ocean conservation.

·        It cuts pressure on land use and deforestation

·        It’s cost-effective and widely available, especially in corn-producing regions.

In essence, CGM helps aquaculture become more efficient, ethical, and eco-conscious without compromising on performance.

Resultater (29)

    Udviklingen i næringsstoffer til akvakulturfoder

    Fisk og skaldyr er meget tilpasningsdygtige og har brug for omkring 40 essentielle næringsstoffer, som kan komme fra forskellige råmaterialer, herunder marine ingredienser, animalske produkter, korn og nye kilder. Denne tilpasningsevne er afgørende for branchens vækst og vil give mulighed for forskellige foderformuleringer.

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    How to secure an appropriate oxygen supply?

    In fish farming, being attentive to oxygen levels and implementing oxygenation are important prerequisites for maintaining economic growth rates.

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    Circular by nature: The real story of fish meal

    Fish meal is widely regarded as one of the most efficient and complete protein sources available for aquafeeds. It provides farmed fish with a rich supply of essential amino acids, high-quality proteins, vitamins and minerals, all of which are critical for rapid growth, metabolic health, and immune system function. For many species, particularly in early life stages, fish meal remains an irreplaceable component of nutritionally balanced feed due to its digestibility and nutrient density.

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    AlgaPrime: Unexpected Algae Heroes

    As the global demand for sustainable aquaculture practices continues to rise, so does the need for alternatives to traditional fish meal and fish oil. One of the most promising innovations in this space is AlgaPrime, a revolutionary ingredient that provides a sustainable and nutritious source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA.

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    Mindre er mere

    Fiskeopdrættere kan opnå bedre resultater ved at bruge mindre foder

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    Creating the perfect pink fish fillet: The strategy behind pigmentation

    At the BioMar factory in Denmark, we assist salmon and trout farmers with tailored solutions, backed by our technical expert team, BioFarm. These advisors are dedicated to sharing knowledge on pigmentation strategies, helping our partners achieve top-quality fish fillets.

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    Spiselig andel af laks

    Slagteklare laks blev analyseret for at bestemme den spiselige del. Resultatet viste, at hele 74 procent af laksen bestod af rent fiskekød.

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    Bedre foder resulterer i bedre mad til os alle

    Hos BioMar forstår vi, at rejsen til enestående fisk og rejer begynder længe før, den når bordet, og den starter med det foder, der giver næring til fisk og rejer.

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    Ensuring optimal oxygen levels

    Just like humans, fish need certain levels oxygen to thrive. Sub-optimal oxygen levels may have consequences on the well-being of the fish and consequently on the economic outcome of a fish farm. Active observation and assessment are required to take the necessary actions in good time.

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    Poultry Meal: A Sustainable Protein Source for Aquafeed

    Poultry meal is emerging as a valuable ingredient in aquafeed formulations, offering a circular protein and mineral source that supports the growth and development of farmed fish. Rich in essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, poultry meal is highly palatable and plays a crucial role in maintaining fish health and productivity.

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    The jet platform – efficient and simple oxygen enrichment

    The oxygen content of the water is often the most prominent limiting factor in intensive fish farming. It is a well-known fact that poor oxygen content means that it is not possible to utilise the full potential of both the fish and the feed. A jet platform is an example of an efficient and yet simple mechanical method for oxygen enrichment of water.

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    Vær klar til den kolde tid

    Med EFICO Enviro 920 Advance hjælper vi dine fisk med at få fuldt udbytte af vækstpotentialet.

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