A study found that KnipBio’s single cell protein has the potential to replace terrestrial proteins as a key ingredient in rainbow trout feed providing a healthier, more sustainable, and potentially lower cost alternative protein source.  

The study, which appeared in Aquaculture Research, was based on feed trials conducted at the University of Idaho’s Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station that were designed to test whether feed containing varying amounts of KnipBio Meal (KBM) can serve as a suitable diet for juvenile rainbow trout. The trials were performed over a 12-week period and found no significant difference in weight gain or feed conversion rates for trout fed a diet containing up to 10% KBM compared to standard trout diets. Importantly, the populations fed KBM experienced an average 85% decrease in mortality compared to the control group.

The study, entitled "Partial replacement of soybean meal with Methylobacterium extorquens single-cell protein in feeds for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum),\" was authored by Ronald W. Hardy, director of the University of Idaho’s Aquaculture Research Institute, Lawrence Feinberg, Biswamitra Patro, Catherine Pujol-Baxley, and Christopher J. Marx. 

“We are pleased that these trials show KnipBio Meal is able to support strong growth in trout," stated Larry Feinberg, CEO of KnipBio, Inc. "The trials provide further evidence that KBM is a safe and effective alternative to soy as a protein source in aquaculture and are consistent with prior feed trials on whiteleg shrimp, Atlantic salmon, and smallmouth grunts. While additional research remains to be done, we are encouraged by the growing mountain of evidence that KBM can reduce mortality when added to finfish and crustacean diets.”