Researchers from Nofima, as part of the Millennial Salmon project, have explored the potential of replacing fish oil in salmon feeds with a sustainable algae-based product. This complex process aims to address sustainability concerns while maintaining the nutritional quality required for aquaculture. Microalgae, being at the base of the food chain, are considered a viable alternative due to their rich content of marine omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA.
The study, led by Nofima senior researcher Tor Andreas Samuelsen, highlights two critical aspects of feed development—technical and nutritional. “If you can’t get the ingredient into the feed, you can’t get it into the fish,” said Samuelsen.
In this research, an algae-based product supplied by Corbion was tested. Unlike earlier studies, the algae powder was combined with rapeseed oil to create a liquid formulation. This technical adjustment allowed for better incorporation into salmon pellets.
At Nofima’s Aquafeed Technology Centre, researchers evaluated the ingredient’s technical properties, including pellet hardness, water stability, oil leakage, and pore size. Following these assessments, experimental feeds were developed and tested at the Sunndalsøra research station. Salmon fed these experimental diets were monitored to evaluate growth performance and nutrient digestibility.
The trials demonstrated that salmon responded positively to all algae-based diets, efficiently digesting the nutrients. Researchers were able to include higher levels of the algae product in feeds than previously anticipated, marking a significant breakthrough in sustainable aquafeed development.
The project was funded by the Research Council of Norway and key industrial partners, including Mowi, Labyerie Fine Foods, Cargill, Corbion, Innovafeed, and Auchan. The findings represent a crucial step toward reducing reliance on traditional fish oil and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices.
This advancement underscores the growing potential of microalgae in transforming aquaculture feed formulations, ensuring environmental sustainability while meeting the industry’s nutritional requirements.
Source: The Fish site
