Biomar introduces SmartCare Defence for sea bass health, doubles capacity in China

AFRICA – BioMar, a global aquafeed leader,  launched SmartCare Defence, a new functional feed solution developed to support sea bass health and reduce mortality linked to bacterial infections during high-risk periods in Mediterranean aquaculture.

Bacterial diseases remain one of the most significant challenges in sea bass production. 

Despite advances in vaccination strategies, outbreaks linked to genera such as Photobacterium, Vibrio, and Aeromonas continue to cause economic losses. 

SmartCare Defence supports intestinal integrity and immune function, offering farmers a proactive tool ahead of predictable risk periods.  

The formulation combines optimised micro-nutrients and functional ingredients designed to reduce bacterial growth, support intestinal integrity, and enhance immune function.

“The goal was to develop a feed solution that works with the fish’s own defence mechanisms, rather than reacting once problems occur,” says Elena Planas, Veterinarian at BioMar. “SmartCare Defence is designed to be used proactively, particularly ahead of periods when bacterial pressure is known to increase.”

Developed over five years of research using Photobacterium damselae piscicida and validated in both laboratory and commercial trials, the feed demonstrated up to 32% improvement in survival rates compared to conventional diets.

These results were subsequently validated under commercial farming conditions, where overall mortality was reduced during periods of elevated disease pressure.

The product has also undergone gene expression analyses in key organs, including the intestine and kidney, confirming positive effects on intestinal integrity and immune-related pathways.

SmartCare Defence is suitable for all production phases and farming systems and is recommended for proactive use ahead of predictable high-risk periods. The product will be available for order from March 2026 and will be supported by BioMar’s technical service teams for on-farm implementation and follow-up.

Doubling capacity in Wuxi

Following a decade of successful collaboration with its joint-venture partner, Tongwei, BioMar will expand its Wuxi facility in 2026 to include two production lines. 

The move is expected to add 50,000 tonnes of capacity, enabling the company to serve new customer segments and produce speciality feeds for early growth stages and high-end species such as Japanese eel, grouper, and mandarin fish.

Currently, the Wuxi facility supplies aquafeeds for trout, salmon, sturgeon, largemouth bass, turbot, and yellow croaker. 

In addition to Wuxi, the company operates a facility in Zhuhai, bringing the country’s total joint capacity to 200,000 tonnes. The new production line in Wuxi is expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2027.

Carlos Diaz, CEO of BioMar Group, emphasised the strategic importance of the expansion: 

“In recent years, we have developed a substantial business presence in China, collaborating with customers to introduce innovative feed solutions. Expanding Wuxi’s capacity while integrating advanced technologies will elevate our success and strengthen BioMar’s global footprint.”

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