The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) is seeking commercial partners to test new feed technology developed and evaluated by research partners Battelle and Kentucky State University. The technology completely removes non-digestible carbohydrates (oligosaccharides) without compromising the amino acid composition, making it easier for fish to digest.
Initial testing has shown that EnzoMeal™, an improved soybean meal, outperforms 100% fishmeal diets.
“Ohio soybean farmers are excited to be able to meet an important need for aquaculture farmers,” said Nathan Eckel, chair of the OSC Research Committee. “This technology shows tremendous promise.”
Due to the high content of available protein, essential fatty acids, unsaturated fats, and a favorable amino acid profile, soybean meal closely meets the dietary requirements of fish. However, its application in the diets of some fish species is restricted to 20%–30% due to the dietary component that interferes with the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Digestive systems particularly carnivorous fish are not accustomed to utilize plant ingredients such as soybean meal because it contains approximately 30% of indigestible carbohydrates, including non-starch polysaccharides, and several compounds or anti-nutritional factors [ANFs; protease inhibitors, lectin, antigens (glycinin and b-conglycinin) and phytic acid] that may disturb the digestive process in fish.
Commercially important fish such as salmon and largemouth bass having lower activity of the enzymes needed to break down plant proteins and carbohydrates, therefore high inclusion of soybean meal can cause intestinal inflammation and organ damage. Trials are underway and will verify the performance of the new feed technology with salmon, largemouth bass and asian sea bass —three carnivorous fish that have particular issues with oligosaccharide-intensive crop-based meals.
