A recent initiative by Nofima has investigated the feasibility of using microalgae as a sustainable substitute for fish oil in salmon feed. This research is part of the broader Millennial Salmon project, which seeks innovative solutions in aquaculture.
The concept of sustainability in ingredients can be complex. However, microalgae, which occupy a foundational role in the aquatic food chain, are generally regarded as a promising option. According to Tor Andreas Samuelsen, a senior researcher at Nofima, successful feed formulation involves both technical and nutritional considerations. “If you can’t incorporate the ingredient into the feed, it cannot be utilized by the fish,” he stated.
The project aimed to determine how much algae-based product could be effectively integrated into salmon feed pellets and to assess the impacts on the fish. The specific algae product studied, rich in the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, was provided by Corbion and was mixed with rapeseed oil to create a liquid form for testing.
Samuelsen noted the significance of conducting a technical assessment of the algae before designing the feed for trials. “Before we could test it on fish, we needed to understand the ingredient’s properties,” he explained.
At Nofima’s Aquafeed Technology Centre, researchers evaluated various characteristics of the pellets, including hardness, water stability, and oil leakage, to ensure quality. The results informed the production of trial feeds, which were sent to a research facility in Sunndalsøra, where salmon were fed the new formulations and monitored throughout their growth cycle.
The outcomes of the feeding trials were promising, with salmon showing favorable responses to all feed variations. The fish effectively digested the nutrients, and researchers revealed that more of the algae product could be used in feed than initially expected.
This study was supported by funding from the Research Council of Norway and partnered with industry players such as Mowi, Labeyrie Fine Foods, Cargill, Corbion, Innovafeed, and Auchan. The findings contribute to ongoing efforts to promote sustainability in fish farming practices.
