Effect of Single-Cell Protein as a feed ingredient on growth and survival of Litopenaeus vannamei in an indoor growth trial operated at high recirculation
Bacterial single-cell protein (SCP) produced by the Colorado-based biotechnology company, Oberon FMR, Inc. closely mimics fishmeal in its amino acid profile, has crude protein values in excess of 63%, and is economically competitive with premium protein ingredients. The process is sustainable, does not rely on marine resources, and has significant potential as a protein ingredient in a wide variety of aquafeeds, including those for white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.
To evaluate the performance of Oberons SCP, Texas A&M Universitys AgriLife Research Mariculture Laboratory in Port Aransas, Texas conducted preliminary trials using white shrimp as the test animal. Shrimp were stocked at a density of 222 animals/m3 (tank bottom area: 0.10 m2, stocking size: 0.27 0.01 g) and were fed one of two diets over a period of 5 weeks; one being a commercially-available shrimp feed formulation containing 8% fishmeal and the other being the same formulation with 100% of the fishmeal replaced by Oberons SCP. Diets were offered in excess of satiation, fifteen times a day using an automatic feeder. Natural feeds in any form were not available to the shrimp and water quality and culture conditions were not limiting to growth.
Final results showed that the shrimp fed Oberons SCP performed as well or better than those receiving fishmeal. The SCP-fed shrimp had a survival of 92%, grew at 1.65 g/week, and exhibited a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.54, while the fishmeal-fed shrimp had survival of 88%, grew at 1.52 g/week, and exhibited an FCR of 1.84 (Table 1). Though preliminary, these results demonstrate the significant potential of Oberons SCP product to replace a substantial portion of fishmeal in shrimp feeds, to augment the premium protein supplies applicable to the aquaculture industry, and to offer the industry a sustainable and economically attractive alternative to fishmeal. Ongoing work includes large-scale trials with shrimp as well as those with Rainbow Trout, Atlantic and Pacific Salmon, and Tilapia.
To evaluate the performance of Oberons SCP, Texas A&M Universitys AgriLife Research Mariculture Laboratory in Port Aransas, Texas conducted preliminary trials using white shrimp as the test animal. Shrimp were stocked at a density of 222 animals/m3 (tank bottom area: 0.10 m2, stocking size: 0.27 0.01 g) and were fed one of two diets over a period of 5 weeks; one being a commercially-available shrimp feed formulation containing 8% fishmeal and the other being the same formulation with 100% of the fishmeal replaced by Oberons SCP. Diets were offered in excess of satiation, fifteen times a day using an automatic feeder. Natural feeds in any form were not available to the shrimp and water quality and culture conditions were not limiting to growth.
Final results showed that the shrimp fed Oberons SCP performed as well or better than those receiving fishmeal. The SCP-fed shrimp had a survival of 92%, grew at 1.65 g/week, and exhibited a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.54, while the fishmeal-fed shrimp had survival of 88%, grew at 1.52 g/week, and exhibited an FCR of 1.84 (Table 1). Though preliminary, these results demonstrate the significant potential of Oberons SCP product to replace a substantial portion of fishmeal in shrimp feeds, to augment the premium protein supplies applicable to the aquaculture industry, and to offer the industry a sustainable and economically attractive alternative to fishmeal. Ongoing work includes large-scale trials with shrimp as well as those with Rainbow Trout, Atlantic and Pacific Salmon, and Tilapia.