SuSeWi Successfully Completes Fish Feed Trials

SuSeWi announces that, in conjunction with Plymouth University, it has successfully completed scientific trials aimed at confirming the attractiveness and applicability of the Company’s algal biomass as a substitute for fish meal in the feed for salmonids.

The SuSeWi algal biomass was tested in the feeding of both salmon and trout and compared directly with the commercial feed formulations in common use in the salmonid aquaculture industry.

The study’s main findings were that SuSeWi’s algal-based feeds:

• Had suitable nutrient profiles for use in aquafeeds
• Were readily accepted by Rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon in diets containing up to 20% algal meal inclusion
• Support good growth performance of trout and salmon, in-line or ahead of that of commercial dietary formulations
• Demonstrated superior feed conversion ratios to conventional fish feeds containing fish meal
• Have excellent protein and lipid digestibility
• Have no antinutritional or negative impacts on intestinal morphology or intestinal microbiome profiles.

The findings followed independent clinical research trials, using feed containing algae produced using SuSeWi’s patented technologies, carried out in the world recognised Aquaculture and Fish Nutrition Research Aquarium at the University of Plymouth UK. The was project was funded by Innovate UK.

The research also found that there was scope to increase the value of the meals by adjusting the nutritional profile, through either manipulation of algal growth conditions or downstream processing of the biomass.

The research clearly shows the potential for algae to replace other sources of protein, omega 3 oils and enzymes in the fish feed sector, in particular fish meal, whose availability has reduced in recent years as wild caught fish volumes have plateaued. Algae, as a naturally combined source of proteins, omega 3s and other key nutrients, has a number of potential benefits given its significantly lower environmental impact compared to the harvesting of wild fish or soybean production for use in fish feed.

SuSeWi uses patented technologies designed to produce microalgae naturally, efficiently and at scale. SuSeWi’s technology replicates local environmental and seawater conditions that favour specific natural algal strains which the Company’s bioscientists have selected for their ability to produce high levels of protein, the fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and other essential nutrients. Growing conditions in the ponds are manipulated to replicate natural oceanic bloom conditions that induce exponential growth for the selected microalgae strain.

Commenting on the announcement Raffael Jovine, Chief Scientist and Founder of SuSeWi, said:

“The results of this study underline the potential for SuSeWi’s algal biomass to provide a sustainable source of essential protein and omega oils to the aquaculture industry. We are continuing to develop our products and optimise our production and, as the study shows, believe that we can significantly increase the nutritional value of our product making us an ideal, sustainable source of protein and key nutrients for many end-use markets beyond aquaculture.”

Commenting on the announcement Prof. Daniel Merrifield from the Aquaculture and Fish Nutrition Research Aquarium at the University of Plymouth said:

“This research suggests that SuSeWi’s innovative approach to producing algae could provide the basis for creating a more sustainable aquaculture industry, while the SuSeWi biomass has the potential for numerous other valuable applications requiring sustainably and naturally produced proteins, lipids and other vital nutrients.”