Ferrous fumarate, an organic iron source, is widely used in aquatic feed due to its high bioavailability, minimal damage to feed nutrients, and good stability. Its application effects are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
I. Improving the growth performance of aquatic animals
Iron is an essential trace element for the growth and development of aquatic animals, participating in the synthesis of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and energy metabolism. Ferrous fumarate has moderate solubility in water and can be better absorbed and utilized by the intestinal tract of aquatic animals, effectively alleviating growth retardation caused by iron deficiency. For example, adding an appropriate amount of ferrous fumarate (usually 30-80 mg/kg) to the feed of juvenile carp can significantly increase their weight gain rate and specific growth rate. Experimental data show that compared with the control group without iron addition or with inorganic iron (such as ferrous sulfate), the weight gain of carp with ferrous fumarate added can be increased by 10%-15%. At the same time, its improved absorption efficiency reduces the amount of iron added in the feed, lowers feed costs, and reduces the burden of unabsorbed iron on the water environment.
II. Enhancing the physiological health and stress resistance of aquatic animals
Strengthening hematopoietic function: Ferrous fumarate can promote the production of red blood cells in aquatic animals, increase hemoglobin content, and enhance the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, which is particularly effective for high-oxygen-consuming aquatic animals (such as sea bass and shrimp). In the breeding experiment of Litopenaeus vannamei, after adding ferrous fumarate to the feed, the hemoglobin concentration of the shrimp increased by 8%-12%, and the survival rate in anoxic environments increased by more than 20%.
Improving immune function: Iron is involved in the synthesis of immune-related enzymes (such as peroxidase and lysozyme) in aquatic animals. Supplementation with ferrous fumarate can enhance the activity of these enzymes and improve the body's disease resistance. For example, adding ferrous fumarate to the feed of grass carp can increase the serum lysozyme activity by 15%-25%, significantly enhancing resistance to bacterial gill rot disease.
Anti-stress effect: Aquatic animals are prone to stress responses during high-density breeding, sudden temperature changes, or transportation. Ferrous fumarate can reduce oxidative damage caused by stress and lower mortality by maintaining iron metabolism balance in the body. Adding ferrous fumarate to the feed of tilapia before transportation can increase the survival rate after transportation by 10%-15%.
III. Reducing negative impacts on the breeding environment
Traditional inorganic iron sources (such as ferrous sulfate) have poor stability in feed and easily combine with other nutrients (such as vitamins and phytic acid) to form insoluble substances, which not only reduce their own utilization rate but also may disrupt the nutritional balance of the feed. Unabsorbed inorganic iron discharged into water bodies can cause eutrophication and algae growth. In contrast, ferrous fumarate has stable chemical properties, is not easy to react with other components, and has high absorption and utilization rates (30%-50%, much higher than 10%-20% of inorganic iron). This reduces iron emissions in feces, lowers pollution to the breeding water, and helps maintain the ecological balance of the water body.
IV. Precautions in application
Control of addition amount: Excessive addition of ferrous fumarate may cause iron poisoning in aquatic animals, manifested as growth inhibition and liver damage. The appropriate addition amount should be determined according to the needs of different species (e.g., 40-60 mg/kg for shrimp and 30-70 mg/kg for fish).
Synergy with other nutrients: The combined use of ferrous fumarate and vitamin C can promote iron absorption. Reasonable matching of the two in feed formulations can further enhance the application effect.
Ferrous fumarate exhibits good application value in aquatic feed due to its advantages such as efficient iron supplementation, improved growth performance, enhanced immunity, and reduced environmental burden. Especially under the trend of green and healthy breeding, its application prospects will be broader.
