| Field Trial Data and Studies |
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Aquasta® naturally-sourced astaxanthin has been proven as effective as synthetic astaxanthin through various feed manufacturing processes, production timelines and storage temperatures in commercial field trials involving fresh, frozen and smoked fish: Field StudiesThis field study was conducted in Chile with the first group of fish pigmented with naturally-sourced Aquasta® and the control with a synthetic pigment. Approximately 85,500 fish were divided into 3 cages for this study. Each field trial used standardized groups of fish from the same species, stock and initial weight, both for Aquasta® and the control cages. Each study included no less than 2 cages per study, located at the same site, which ensured identical water conditions, currents and/or wind. Each group of fish in the same site was fed with the same diet composition, and same level of pure astaxanthin, differing only in the pigment source. |
Sampling
Each cage was sampled, mainly on a monthly basis, until the fish group reached its harvest weight. All samples were sent to a lab for astaxanthin analysis to determine the color expression and overall pigment content in the fish flesh. Production information was collected for each sample, along with the weight and length of the whole fish. A color box was used to calculate a color score for each filet sample using a standardized light source.
Freezing Study
To determine the possible losses of color in fish flesh during freezing, a three-month freezing study was conducted as soon as the fish were harvested. Identical filets were obtained from each fish, considering no less than 50 fish per treatment for the freezing study. Samplings were taken every 30 days and the filets were compared with their “copies” from each sampling.