Breakthrough study reveals algae-based omega-3’s versatile use in salmon feed
NETHERLANDS – A study conducted by the Millennial Salmon Project, spearheaded by Corbion, has unveiled the versatility of AlgaPrime DHA, an algae-based omega-3 supplement, in salmon feed.
The study, published in Aquaculture and conducted by Nofima, demonstrates that incorporating AlgaPrime DHA at varying levels not only sustains feed quality but also enhances process stability and pellet quality.
The Millennial Salmon Project, comprising leading organizations along the salmon production value chain, aims to revolutionize salmon farming by prioritizing sustainability through innovative ingredients with minimal environmental impact.
Funded by the Research Council of Norway, the project signifies a concerted effort to foster a circular economy within the aquaculture industry.
The initial phase of the research focused on determining the optimal inclusion levels of AlgaPrime DHA LS, Corbion’s algae-based omega-3 DHA-rich ingredient, in Atlantic salmon feed.
Factors such as pellet quality, expansion parameters, microstructure, and digestibility were meticulously evaluated.
Remarkably, the study found that incorporating 100 g/kg of AlgaPrime DHA LS into the feed mixture was economically viable, given prevailing lipid levels.
Moreover, researchers explored the feasibility of incorporating AlgaPrime DHA LS during the pellet coating process, achieving inclusion levels of up to 14% in final feed formulations containing 36% lipids.
These levels surpass industrial application standards for omega-3 inclusion, underscoring the versatility of AlgaPrime DHA LS in feed production.
A distinctive aspect of the study involved examining four diets with varying AlgaPrime DHA inclusions, both in the mix and coating, at levels of 10% and 20%.
Notably, all diets exhibited high nutrient digestibility in Atlantic salmon, indicating the potential for significant dietary substitution of fish oil with AlgaPrime DHA LS.
Cristian Atienza, Technical Application Manager at Corbion, emphasized the significance of AlgaPrime DHA’s multifaceted application in feed manufacturing, citing its high omega-3 DHA content, optimal lipid level, mixability, and thermostability. Atienza hailed AlgaPrime DHA as a pivotal tool for advancing fish nutrition and health.
Corbion underscored the environmental benefits of AlgaPrime DHA LS, derived from single-cell algae strains cultivated through industrial fermentation. With superior DHA concentration compared to traditional fish oil, AlgaPrime DHA LS offers a sustainable alternative, reducing reliance on marine resources and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems.
“As a leading global player in sustainable nutrition, Corbion is constantly seeking to create new innovative and sustainable solutions, and we are pleased that the results of this study affirm the technical performance of AlgaPrime DHA LS is enabling the industry to use a sustainable source of omega-3 at high inclusion levels,” said Tim Rutten, Vice President of Nutrition at Corbion.
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