Research program to enhance animal by-products value and utilization in aquaculture feeds

Last week at their spring meeting in Montreal, Canada, the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation, Inc. (FPRF) enhanced their international program aimed to support research on the use of animal by-products in aquaculture feeds.

“The latest $112,000 in grants builds on ongoing work in order to understand the potential role of attractants and palatability factors in animal byproducts, and to forge connections between the genetic potential for growth in aquatic species and nutrient composition of animal proteins”, said Dr. Nates, President of FPRF.

“Supplies of animal protein are limited, and sustainable production in aquaculture dictates that alternatives that do not compromise product quality must be found. Identifying the factors present in animal by-products will provide confidence to nutritionists in managing increased levels of alternative protein sources such as poultry meals (PBM’s), meat and bone meal (MBM) and feather meal (FEM) in aquaculture feeds. Likewise, nutrigenomics will enhance our understanding of how nutrition influences metabolic pathways and homeostatic mechanisms in aquatic species”.

These new projects will complement current studies being conducted by FPRF on the function of novel bioactive peptides, bioavailability of amino acids, energy partitioning, and the role of synthetic amino acid supplementation in aquatic species fed rendered animal by-products.

FPRF was established in 1962 as a non-profit, non-lobbying organization with membership representing all segments of the animal industry, and it maintains close liaison with the National Renderers Association (NRA).

“Our research program is a supplier of information to our global network of supporters, who come back to us time and time again to make use of our research-based knowledge”, Dr. Nates, mentioned.

For more information on FPRF’s Research Program and Funding Opportunities, visit the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation website.