Fish oil is a high-value product used in aquaculture feed, poultry nutrition, livestock diets, and even cosmetic and industrial applications. If you are already involved in fish farming or fish processing, producing fish oil can increase your margins and help you utilize raw materials more efficiently.
Here is a simple overview of how fish oil is produced on a small scale.
1. Select the Right Raw Material
Fish oil can be extracted from:
- Whole small pelagic fish such as sardines
- Fish trimmings (heads, viscera, frames)
- By-products from fish meal production
Oily species provide higher yields and better-quality oil. Fresh raw material is essential to ensure good smell, color, and stability.
2. Cooking the Fish
The first technical step is cooking.
- Heat the fish to approximately 85–95°C.
- Cooking coagulates the proteins.
- Oil and water are released from the tissues.
This prepares the material for proper oil separation.
3. Pressing and Liquid Separation
After cooking, the fish mass is mechanically pressed.
This produces:
- A solid press cake (used for fish meal)
- A liquid mixture containing oil and water
The liquid phase is then allowed to settle in tanks or processed through a separator. Because oil is lighter than water, it rises to the surface and can be collected.
Small-scale producers may use gravity settling tanks, while larger operations often use centrifuges for higher efficiency.
4. Clarification and Drying
Crude fish oil often contains moisture and small impurities.
To improve quality:
- Allow the oil to settle further
- Remove water from the bottom of the tank
- Filter the oil
- Apply gentle heating to reduce residual moisture
Proper clarification improves shelf life and stability.
5. Storage and Preservation
Fish oil is sensitive to oxidation.
For better preservation:
- Store in airtight containers
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Maintain cool storage conditions
- Minimize contact with air
Good storage ensures longer shelf life and better market value.
Need High-Quality Sardines for Oil Production?
If you are planning to produce fish oil, the quality of your raw material makes a major difference in yield and final product quality.
We supply frozen sardines from Tunisia, suitable for fish oil and fish meal production, with consistent quality and reliable supply.
👉 If you are interested in sourcing frozen sardines from Tunisia, you can contact us through the link below.
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