Knowledge
Gain more insight into the science behind KiGen
FishmealProteins
The proteins in KiGen koi food explained in more detail
Fishmeal is (usually) ground, dried fish or fish by-products. In the feed industry, it is used as a highly concentrated source of both protein and nutrients with a strong taste and scent (attraction). It has been widely used in aquaculture for decades because it often ensures good growth, feed intake, and feed efficiency. The basic production steps are roughly: cooking ~ pressing (removing oil/water) ~ evaporation/drying ~ grinding.
Premix, Probiotics & prebiotics
The secret black box in every koi food
The complexity of any koi food lies in what is known as the ‘premix’.
For example, if you want to create a specific color-enhancing food, its components can be found in the premix. The same applies to a number of vitamins, minerals, and additives that promote the health of the koi.
For very good reasons, the premix is often shrouded in secrecy, as it is effectively the most important part of the koi food recipe.
Crude ash
Essential, indigestible substances
The crude ash content in KiGen food is, on average, higher than usual. However, this is a conscious and well-founded choice. The higher percentage is a direct result of essential additives that we consider to be of great importance for the health and vitality of koi. This includes salt, which makes up about 2.5% of the total feed composition, and montmorillonite clay, a valuable mineral that is standard in all KiGen feeds.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates in KiGen koi food
Besides proteins, fats and carbohydrates form an important nutritional source in koi food.
In this section, we focus primarily on carbohydrates and explain why KiGen chose expensive millet as its primary carbohydrate source.
It is striking that while a lot of attention is always paid to the proteins used, the choice of carbohydrates receives hardly any attention.
Technically, carbohydrates are not an essential nutrient for koi, but they do play a functional and economic role in koi food. Below is a technical overview of the most commonly used carbohydrate sources in koi food, including their function, benefits, and points of interest.
RG-92
RG-92 is the additive that KiGen uses in the Marujyu Special food
RG92 in the context of the koi hobby
- RG92 is described by the producer (SARABiO 温泉微生物研究所 in Beppu) as a natural extract derived from a unique micro-alga (green alga) that lives in hot springs.
- It is therefore not a ‘classic’ chemical additive, but a hot-spring algae extract that is also positioned as a feed ingredient in both livestock farming and aquaculture.
- SARABiO also mentions (on their own site) that in 2021 it was as feed/飼料
