Arbiom, an agriculture-biotechnology company developing solutions to convert wood into food, has completed the scientific studies evaluating Arbiom’s product as a high-quality alternative protein ingredient for use in aquafeed.
SylPro is a yeast single-cell protein (SCP), that is produced using wood-derived media in fermentation and final downstream processing to achieve appropriate properties as a viable replacement for fishmeal or plant protein concentrates. Arbiom’s product has been developed to solve the challenges of protein sourcing and gastrointestinal health for aquaculture and livestock producers.
The studies, conducted in collaboration with researchers at Texas A&M University were designed to compare Arbiom’s protein product SylPro ® to conventional plant and animal protein sources, evaluating both its material handling properties and nutritional performance.
An initial trial assessing the material handling characteristics of SylPro suggest that it performs well in a range of extrusion conditions at varying inclusion levels in extruded feed. Results also highlighted additional functional binding properties conferred, which suggest SylPro could reduce the need for binding agents. The study concludes that Arbiom’s protein ingredient behaves similar, or superior, to conventional protein ingredients in extruded feeds.
In a second study, the nutritional performance of SylPro was evaluated in hybrid striped bass. Feeds were formulated with Arbiom’s high-protein ingredient at various inclusion rates. Growth (body weight), body composition, nutrient digestibility and general gastrointestinal health were evaluated over the course of a 60-day period. The study results showed no differences in mortality or feed intake across all diets. There was no statistical difference in body weight gain or feed intake up to the 20 percent inclusion level of Arbiom’s protein compared to the control diet. Furthermore, SylPro showed an exceptional crude protein digestibility of 97%. These findings indicate that SylPro can be used to replace fishmeal or plant-based proteins in hybrid striped bass diets and deliver equivalent nutritional performance as conventional protein sources up to 20 percent inclusion level.
