February 8, 2010

ARS develops barley protein concentrate for aqua feeds

 

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and Montana Microbial Products (MMP) have developed a barley protein concentrate that could be fed to trout and other commercially produced fish.

A patent has been applied for a new enzymatic method that concentrates barley protein and produces raw material for ethanol. This process provides a high-protein ingredient that may replace other, more expensive protein sources like fishmeal and soy protein concentrate in commercial fish feed.

Currently there is no commercial production of barley protein concentrate, but MMP is producing small quantities for fish-feeding studies with trout, salmon and other species. MMP projects that the concentrate will sell for US$700 to US$1,200 per ton. Since fishmeal costs about US$1,200 per ton, the projected costs of barley protein concentrate compare favourably.

Feeding trials show that barley protein concentrate successfully replaced both fishmeal and soy protein concentrates in fish feed, meeting the fishes' protein requirements. ARS researchers also are examining the genetics of barley to modify the grain for improved protein yield and nutritional composition.

Barley protein concentrate could completely replace fishmeal in fish feed if other essential nutrients are provided as supplements. Using barley protein instead of fishmeal in commercial fish feed could help reduce the demand for millions of tonnes of fish taken from the ocean each year to produce fishmeal.