December 7, 2007

Neptune Industries develops insect protein feed

Neptune Industries announced the completion of its Phase II trials on the development of viable dietary protein alternative in the US$7-billion dollar market for fishmeal.

The completion of Phase II trials on the company's Ento-Protein(TM) research has been a pivotal milestone.

Phase I selected four species of suitable insects based on a variety of key production and nutritional parameters.

The industry has been focused on vegetable-based alternatives which are not well digested by carnivorous fish.

Neptune's Phase II trials proved that fish fed a diet containing Ento-Protein(TM) actually tasted better than those fed with fishmeal.

The final trial, Phase III, will be used to select the proper blend of insects to achieve the fastest growth rate and optimum digestibility in farm-raised fish. The company anticipates completing Phase III in the first quarter of 2008, constructing its first pilot production facility, and bringing product to market by year end.

Ento-Protein(TM) is a patent-pending high protein fishmeal derived from the controlled, mass production of select insect species, for use in fish and livestock diets.

The percentage of fishmeal used in fish feed has declined due to a steady rise in price.

According to a report by Pike and Barlow, the market for fish feed is expected to grow from 19.5 million metric tonnes in 2003 to 37.2 million metric tonnes in 2010.