Guar, or Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, might not sound glamorous, but it powers a surprising range of industries. From your pantry to petroleum, and even into fish feed, this underappreciated crop is quietly shaping the world around us.
Guar thrive where many crops fail
It’s a fast-growing, drought-resistant legume native to India and Pakistan. In fact, India produces around 80% of the world’s guar, much of it in the arid state of Rajasthan. It thrives in poor sandy soil, high heat, requires very little water and matures quickly in just 90 to 120 days — a miracle crop for regions with tough growing conditions.
So while it’s not the fastest crop (like some leafy greens or vegetables that mature in 30–60 days), guar is quick for a protein-rich, industrial-scale crop.
But the real magic happens when the seeds are processed into guar meal, a natural thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier that’s now essential in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles — and aquaculture. Guar gum is a hydrocolloid, meaning it can absorb up to 8 times its weight in water, which makes it valuable as a thickener. Like other legumes, guar fixes nitrogen from the air into the soil via symbiotic bacteria in its root nodules.
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In a world where aquaculture must grow without increasing environmental impact, guar checks a lot of boxes:
Plant-based: Helps reduce reliance on fish meal and fish oil, supporting sustainable aquaculture.
Low water use: Requires minimal water and chemicals, making it ideal for climate-stressed regions.
Soil restorer: Enhances crop rotation cycles and soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.
Non-competitive land use: Thrives in marginal soil, reducing fertilizer needs for subsequent crops.
Biodegradable: Leaves no synthetic binders in water, minimizing environmental impact.
In fish farming, guar might just be a sustainable game-changer. Guar gum binds fish feed pellets together, preventing disintegration in water—leading to less waste, cleaner water, and more efficient feeding. Meanwhile, the leftover guar meal after gum extraction contains up to 50% protein, making it a viable alternative to fish meal, a major sustainability concern in aquaculture. Additionally, guar enhances digestion and nutrient absorption in aquaculture feed, further boosting fish health.
This bean is quietly changing the world—one pellet at a time. In the quest for more sustainable aquaculture, guar isn’t just a binder; it’s a bridge to better feed, cleaner water, and more resilient farming systems.
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The BioMar feed factory in Denmark in the finals for the German Sustainability Award 2025. An independent expert panel has acknowledged BioMar A/S, Denmark, for its efforts as a frontrunner in the development of sustainable aquaculture feed solutions and voted BioMar to the final of the 18th German Sustainability Award
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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.
Wheat gluten is a common ingredient in modern aquaculture diets, valued for a combination of nutritional and functional advantages. It isn’t a magic ingredient, but it consistently supports efficient feed production and healthy fish growth. One of its best-known traits is its strong binding ability earning it the occasional nickname “super glue.” This natural binding property allows many feed mills to reduce or even eliminate synthetic binders.
I et nyligt ørred foderforsøg med yngel beviste Inicio Plus endnu en gang sin styrke ved at opnå hurtigere vækst og mere ensartet yngel end konkurrerende startfoder. Den bedste visuelle vandkvalitet blev observeret med BioMar-foderet, hvilket afspejler dets positive indvirkning ud over vækstpræstationen.
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.
Specialized BioMar feeds designed for performance, resilience, and efficiency in cold-water conditions Winter brings real challenges for trout farmers. As temperatures drop, metabolism slows, appetite declines, and maintaining growth can feel like an uphill battle. BioMar’s winter feeds are developed to keep your fish progressing through the toughest months delivering reliable intake, efficient conversion, and strong resilience all winter long.
In fish farming, large fluctuations in the oxygen content of water have a negative impact on the well-being of the fish and consequently on its growth. High water temperatures or rich vegetation in the water are important alarming factors to observe, especially in summer periods.
Fiskeopdrættere kan opnå bedre resultater ved at bruge mindre foder
Slagteklare laks blev analyseret for at bestemme den spiselige del. Resultatet viste, at hele 74 procent af laksen bestod af rent fiskekød.
From its nutritional profile to its traceable sourcing and regenerative potential, soy is redefining what it means to feed the future of aquaculture.
With 30 years of experience in the Finnish market, the energetic team of Oy BioMar AB stands for hands on service with fast deliveries of high-end fish feeds.
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.