June 26, 2007

Norwegian research discovers essential amino acid in fishmeal

Norway's fishery research agency Fiskeriforskning has detected a substance in fishmeal that is responsible for promoting growth in salmon, a finding which would likely revolutionise the fishmeal industry.

Scientists at Fiskeriforskning said they have discovered the component in fishmeal the salmon is dependent on for growth and now a more reasonably priced fish feed may be possible.

The tests show that feed with increased content of hydroxyproline causes the salmon to grow faster and become more robust. Until now, it has not been known what the essential amino acid in fishmeal was.

With more hydroxyproline in the feed, the salmon eats more. The weight increases by 14 percent compared with the typical feed, said Senior Scientist Anders Aksnes.

The discovery meant that production time can now be reduced and health strengthened. Feed with more hydroxyproline also produces fewer deformations in the bone structure, the research said.

Using fishmeal with more hydroxyproline means that the fishmeal can now include a higher component of sustainable vegetable products to replace purely fishmeal supplies, which are declining worldwide. The discovery also makes it possible to increase feed production, Aksnes said.

The amount of hydroxyproline can be increased by using more meal based on fish skin and bones, which are rich in this substance, the scientists said. This meant that skin and bones, which have until now been regarded as residual items, may now be more valued items.

A patent has now been applied for on the use of hydroxyproline in fish feed and the results would also be published in a scientific article.