Corbion's algae-based omega-3 liquid suspension can be used at varying inclusion
levels and up to three times the industry standard with high retention of omega-
3 fatty acids, feed quality, digestibility, supporting sustainable growth in the
aquaculture industry
Corbion (http://www.corbion.com/), the global market leader in algae-based
ingredients, announced today preliminary results of a new study from the
Millennial Salmon Project, a strategic partnership among organizations along the
value chain of salmon production. Conducted by Nofima (https://nofima.no/en/)
and recently published in Aquaculture
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0044848623012334), the study
confirms that AlgaPrime(TM) DHA can be added at varying levels without negatively
impacting feed quality, and actually promoting a more stable process and pellet
quality.
Primarily funded by the Research Council of Norway
(https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/) and made up of leading organizations Nofima
(https://nofima.no/en/), InnovaFeed (https://innovafeed.com/en/), Corbion
(http://www.corbion.com), Cargill (https://www.cargill.com/animal-
nutrition/species/aquaculture), MOWI (https://mowi.com/), Labeyrie Fine Foods
(https://www.labeyrie-fine-foods.com/en/home/), SINTEF Ocean
(https://www.sintef.no/en/ocean/) and Auchan (https://www.auchan.fr/), the
Millennial Salmon Project aims to create the world's most sustainable farmed
salmon using novel ingredients with a low carbon footprint and a focus on the
circular economy.
The first round of research sought to determine optimal inclusion levels of
AlgaPrime(TM) DHA LS - Corbion's algae-based omega-3 DHA-rich ingredient in liquid
suspension - in feed for Atlantic salmon, evaluating the ingredient's effect on
the feed production process. Variables examined included: physical pellet
quality, expansion parameters and microstructure and later its digestibility.
AlgaPrime(TM) DHA can be incorporated at two different moments in the feed
production process: into the mix prior to extrusion and during pellet coating.
Therefore, the maximum levels of AlgaPrime(TM) DHA inclusion in both moments was
studied.
An array of diets was produced and tested, from a control feed using fish meal
and soy protein concentrate to feeds with the high inclusion levels of
AlgaPrime(TM) DHA LS. Applying a method that enables numerous comparisons,
researchers determined that inclusion of 100 g/kg AlgaPrime(TM) DHA LS in the
mixture was commercially interesting, considering the levels of lipids mostly
used in the feed mix.
Based on the industry standard practices, researchers tested AlgaPrime(TM) DHA LS
in the pellet coating process and were able to add up to 14% inclusion in a
final feed with 36% lipids, which is far above the relevant industrial
application levels of omega-3.
In a uncommon study design that combines the technical application and nutrition
science and after the feed production trials, the research group then looked at
four diets containing AlgaPrime(TM) DHA in the mix, the coating, and a combination
of the two, using AlgaPrime(TM) DHA LS at 10% and 20% inclusions. All four diets
showed high nutrient digestibility in Atlantic salmon. For reference, with the
inclusion of 8% of AlgaPrime(TM) DHA LS is possible to replace a 10% inclusion of
fish oil in diets with the same omega-3 levels.
These findings represent an important step for fish nutrition, illustrating the
viability of sustainability gains by increasing the use of ingredients with high
concentrations of omega-3, something a reliance on fish oil alone could not
accomplish. At the same time, it is great news to the aquaculture industry,
enabling the strategic management of omega-3 levels in feed to facilitate the
production growth, a much-needed tool in view of increasing pressure on our
oceans and the supply gap of traditional marine resources.
"The application of AlgaPrime(TM) DHA at different inclusion rates minimize
manufacturing process constrains due to its high omega-3 DHA content, optimal
lipid level, ideal mixability, and thermostability, giving feed manufactures a
new tool to explore and develop omega-3 DHA inclusions and advance nutrition for
health," said Cristian Atienza, Technical Application Manager at Corbion.
AlgaPrime(TM) DHA LS is made from a single-cell algae strain grown at scale using
industrial fermentation to produce DHA while ensuring feasibility for feed
manufacturers and salmon producers. With a higher DHA concentration compared to
fish oil and other alternatives, inclusion of AlgaPrime(TM) DHA LS in feed can
maintain or raise omega-3 levels in healthy diets, reducing the dependency for
fish oil, thereby helping to preserve the environment.
"As a leading global player in sustainable nutrition, Corbion is constantly
seeking to create new innovative and sustainable solutions, and we are pleased
that the results of this study affirm the technical performance of AlgaPrime(TM)
DHA LS is enabling the industry to use a sustainable source of omega-3 at high
inclusion levels," said Tim Rutten, Vice President of Nutrition at Corbion.
Learn more about Millennial Salmon Project here: millennialsalmon.org
(http://www.millennialsalmon.org)
About Corbion
Corbion is a sustainable ingredients company dedicated to preserving what
matters, including food and food production, health, and the planet. We
specialize in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, food preservation solutions,
functional blends, and algae ingredients, using our deep application and product
knowledge to propel nature's ingenuity through science. With more than a century
of experience, we continue working side-by-side with our customers to make our
cutting-edge technologies work for them. Leveraging our advanced capabilities in
fermentation and preservation technology, we help customers differentiate their
products in diverse markets ranging from food and animal nutrition to home &
personal care, pharmaceuticals, electronics, medical devices, and bioplastics.
In 2023, Corbion generated annual sales of EUR 1,443.8 million with a workforce of
2,727 FTEs. Corbion is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. For more information:
www.corbion.com (http://www.corbion.com)
For more information, please contact:
Press:
Erica Franco, Global Marketing & Communications Manager
algaprime@rfbinder.com (mailto:algaprime@rfbinder.com)
Analysts and investors:
Peter Kazius, Director Investor Relations
+31(0)6 55409706
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