Manufacturing feed in temperate regions for use in tropical farming systems presents challenges for nutrient stability and increases the risk of undesirable by‑product formation. Extended supply chains, combined with fluctuating humidity and temperature, create conditions that promote mould growth and nutrient degradation.

Feed degradation may occur through both direct and indirect pathways and can be driven by physical (temperature, humidity, and UV exposure) or biological factors (mould growth or post‑manufacture infestation). The consequences include loss of nutrients essential for fish growth and health, as well as the formation of undesirable degradation by‑products. While it is desirable for feed companies to provide consistent advice on product shelf-life, these recommendations generally assume cool, dry and stable storage conditions that are difficult to achieve in the tropical climates.

Barramundi farmers face additional challenges due to their geographically diverse and often remote locations, which expose feed to highly variable environmental conditions and supply‑chain timeframes. On‑farm safety‑stock requirements to maintain feed continuity therefore vary considerably among farms, while logistical costs are frequently influenced by order size and delivery frequency. Consequently, informed risk analysis of feed storage conditions and their effects on shelf‑life is critical to support cost‑effective feed ordering, stock management, and future investment in storage infrastructure. The development of cost‑effective tests to rapidly identify early warning signs of ‘at‑risk’ feed batches may further improve production outcomes through targeted intervention.

Activities

1. Understanding the supply chain environment - barramundi feed undergoes diverse supply routes from manufacture in Tasmania to use in QLD, NT and northern WA. The project will map the temperature and humidity profiles that feed encounters on this journey through environmental loggers in feed shipments. Wet season and dry season shipments will be targeted to gather data on as much of the range of conditions as possible.

2. The impact of supply chain and warehousing storage conditions (temperature and humidity) on feed degradation.

3. Development of appropriate testing panels to inform farmers when feed is degraded - decision support to inform farmers of the risk of using old or degraded feed.