Fish Meal Moisture

Fish meal is a high protein food for livestock that is prepared from all parts of a fish, including the bones. During the rendering, the fish oil and water are removed, leaving what is known as “fish meal”. Typically, fish meal is given to domestic animals (e.g. cats and dogs), as well as to cattle and poultry. It is popular because of its high nutritional value. It has high levels of essential amino acids, contains many vitamins, and is a good source of calcium.

While most fish species can be turned into fish meal, not all can be harvested year-round. This results in a seasonal disparity in protein content, as well as a variation in the price of fish meal. Prices are normally higher in the winter months when supplies are depleted, and lower in the summertime when the species are replenished.

While the creation of fish meal may seem like a simple enough procedure, fish meal moisture levels throughout the rendering process must be precise in order to ensure quality. Under-drying will force molds and bacteria to grow, while exposure to high temperatures and over-drying will create a loss of nutrients. Both extremes are devastating to the finished product and can cause problems for the animals ingesting the food. That not only wastes the efforts of the manufacturer, but can also cause a public relations nightmare if the animals become ill.

Luckily, there is a way for businesses to guarantee the safety and quality of their product. By getting fish meal moisture testing done, manufacturers can ensure that the proper moisture levels are maintained throughout the creation process. This not only helps to reduce waste and increase the value of the fish meal produced, but also makes storage and transportation easier.

MoistTech is very experienced with the requirements in the production of fish meal. Our sensor calibrations, measurement wavelengths, algorithms and sensor optical requirements are pre-set at the factory. Typical accuracy is about ±0.1% moisture. Typical analog range is 0-10% moisture. The outputs can be adjusted.

Get more information regarding our fish meal moisture gauge.