Biofloc meal production protocol through three stages: thickening, dewatering and drying, and its effect on the proximal composition

Abstract

Abstract With the purpose of obtaining biofloc meal that serves as alternative and functional protein ingredient in aquaculture feed, the obtaining protocol was developed and its effect on the proximal composition was evaluated. The protocol consists of three stages: thickening, dewatering, and drying, with the following treatments: stage 1: MS) seeds of Moringa oleifera; CS) cationic corn starch; AG) Aloe barbadensis gel and WF) sedimentation without flocculants. Stage 2: FP) Filter press; CF) Cartridge filter; CN) Centrifugation; MF) Mesh filter with manual pressure. Stage 3: CO) Convection oven; MO) Microwave and SD) Sun drying. In each stage, the proximal composition of the biofloc was evaluated. Based on the proximal composition, the WF treatment was considered the more efficient for the thickening stage; CN was considered more efficient during the dewatering stage, and CO and SD treatments were more efficient in the drying stage. The results of the three stages were used to establish two production protocols for obtaining the biofloc meal: protocol A (PA) = WF + CN + SD, and protocol B (PB) = WF + CN + CO. Overall, biofloc meal production protocols, PA and PB, allowed the preserve of biofloc nutrients and can be considered as a benchmark for the production of an alternative protein ingredient for use in aquafeeds; however, it is important to analyze the energy costs of the production protocol.