Key Facts
• April 2021: Research team began developing egg-free feed for eel larvae.
• May 2024: Successfully produced glass eels using the new feed.
• Over 100 glass eels produced by May 2025 with improved feed.
• Feed replaces egg yolk with thickening agents, ensuring stable viscosity in water.
• Japanese eel farming faces challenges due to declining natural glass eel catches.
• Complete farming involves breeding eels from eggs and sperm, achieved by Kinki University in 2023.
• Egg-free feed avoids risks of avian influenza and rising egg prices.
• New feed supports higher survival rates and faster growth of eel larvae.
• Research aims to develop more efficient feed for stable and rapid eel farming.
Summary
Researchers at Kinki University and San-Eigen F.F.I. have developed an innovative egg-free feed for Japanese eel larvae, addressing challenges in complete eel farming. Traditional feeds rely on egg yolk, which faces supply instability and price hikes due to avian influenza. The new feed, using thickening agents, ensures stable viscosity in water, critical for larval survival and growth. Since 2024, the team has successfully produced over 100 glass eels, marking significant progress in sustainable eel farming. This development supports efforts to counter declining natural glass eel catches and aims to enhance survival rates and growth efficiency. The research team continues to refine the feed for broader application in the aquaculture industry.
