The role of corn starch, sodium smectite and urea formaldehyde in enhancing the food stability of aquatic organisms

Binders are substances of natural or artificial origin and important in the production of aquatic diets. The binders increase the stability and ability to produce diets and prevent pellets from breaking down in water and during transport. Depending on the raw materials used, the method of making the diet and amount of milling used, the type of aquatic species, and the amount of milling, the type and amount of binder required may vary. Some fish such as trout, salmon, catfish (Channel Catfish) and tilapia eat food quickly and devour good size foods. For these fish, a few minutes of sustained pellet feed in water is sufficient. Also, for sturgeon, the food intake is less than 5 minutes and maximum 15 minutes. Generally, suitable for shrimp is 4-6 hours’ stability of pelleted feed in water. Corn starch, sodium smectite and urea formaldehyde used in the amounts of 2-5, 2 and 0.5-1 percent respectively. Urea formaldehyde is not approved by Europe and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of America.