Ichthus Unlimited, LLC — Department of Agriculture SBIR Phase I: 8.699999999999999

Description

Growth of alternative protein sources is poised to accelerate potentially claiming up to a third ofthe protein market by 2054 profoundly affecting agriculture food technology end products andthe animal feed market.Here interdisciplinary research is proposed to increase the efficiency andefficacy of US-based aquaculture through development of nutritious cost-effective alternatives totraditional marine protein feedstuffs.This will entail development of protein concentrates andcomplete diets from tuna processing wastes and co-products such as low antinutrient soybean mealand gossypol-free cottonseed meal by applying novel extrusion technology.The most promisingproducts will be evaluated for nutrient digestibility and production potential based on assessment ofgrowth performance and physiological capacity via trials conducted under controlled laboratoryconditions with red drum at Texas A&M University and with yellowfin tuna at the AchotinesLaboratory using well-established standardized protocols.The developed technologies(manufacturing techniques and feedstuff products) will be subjected to economic analysis andextended to various user groups including seafood processors feed manufacturers andaquaculturists through established networks.Thus the developed products from this project willmake more efficient use of tuna processing wastes and other co-products to replace fishmeal andother costly components of aquaculture diets increasing the cost-effectiveness of aquacultureproduction while limiting the expense and logistical constraints associated with disposal of seafoodprocessing wastes.