by Åse-Lill Helgesen, Product Manager, Biomega Group, Norway
Aquaculture has seen significant advancements in feed formulation, with a growing focus on sustainable and highly bioavailable protein sources. One such innovation is enzymatically hydrolysed salmon protein (EHSP), a functional ingredient derived from salmon processing by-products. Research shows that EHSP can enhance fish growth performance, improve health outcomes, and provide essential nutrients while contributing to the sustainability of aquafeed production.
Improved growth performance
Studies have demonstrated that dietary inclusion of hydrolysed fish proteins, including those from salmon, significantly improves growth performance and feed efficiency in aquaculture species. Enzymatic hydrolysis breaks down fish proteins into smaller peptides and free amino acids, increasing digestibility and absorption. Research has found that replacing fishmeal with hydrolysed fish protein in diets for olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) improved weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio.
Similarly, studies on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) have shown that dietary supplementation with fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) leads to higher growth rates and improved nutrient utilisation compared to conventional fishmeal diets. These findings suggest that EHSP can be effectively used in aquafeeds to optimise fish growth while reducing dependency on traditional fishmeal sources.
Enhanced health & disease resistance
Beyond growth benefits, EHSP also plays a crucial role in fish health. Hydrolysed salmon protein contains bioactive peptides with immunostimulatory and antimicrobial properties, which can enhance the immune response and disease resistance of farmed fish. Research has highlighted that peptides derived from fish protein hydrolysates exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, potentially reducing disease incidence in aquaculture systems.
Additionally, dietary FPH has been shown to modulate gut microbiota, enhancing intestinal health and nutrient absorption. A study on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) found that fish fed a diet containing fish protein hydrolysates exhibited improved gut integrity and a lower prevalence of pathogenic bacteria, leading to enhanced overall health. These findings indicate that EHSP can serve as a functional ingredient to support fish welfare in intensive farming conditions.
Nutrient bioavailability & benefits
Salmon protein hydrolysates provide a rich source of essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and bioactive peptides, all of which contribute to optimal fish nutrition. The hydrolysis process improves the bioavailability of these nutrients, making them more readily absorbed by the fish. This is particularly beneficial in early life stages, where nutrient uptake efficiency is critical for survival and growth.
Additionally, fish protein hydrolysates have been shown to improve lipid metabolism, reducing fat accumulation and enhancing the nutritional profile of farmed fish. Research on European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) has shown that diets supplemented with fish hydrolysates resulted in improved lipid utilisation and reduced hepatic fat deposition. These findings suggest that EHSP can contribute to leaner, healthier fish with improved fillet quality.
Sustainability & environmental benefits
The use of EHSP aligns with sustainable aquaculture practices by valorising fish processing by-products that would otherwise go to waste. Utilising these secondary resources reduces the environmental footprint of aquafeed production and lessens dependence on wild-caught fish for fishmeal.
Furthermore, enzymatic hydrolysis can be tailored to optimise protein recovery and minimise waste generation, making it an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional protein sources. By integrating EHSP into aquafeeds, producers can contribute to circular economy principles while maintaining high-performance diets for aquaculture species.
Potential benefits of EHSP
Based on scientific evidence, aquafeed manufacturers can consider the following benefits when incorporating enzymatically hydrolysed salmon protein into their formulations:
- Enhanced growth performance – Supports rapid growth and efficient feed utilisation in aquaculture species.
- Immune system support – Contains bioactive peptides that enhance immune responses and disease resistance.
- High nutrient bioavailability – Provides highly digestible proteins and essential amino acids for optimal fish health and development.
- Improved gut health – Supports intestinal integrity and beneficial gut microbiota balance.
- Sustainable ingredient – Utilises fish processing by-products, reducing waste and promoting sustainable aquaculture.
Advancing aquafeed sustainability
Enzymatically hydrolysed salmon protein represents a promising ingredient for sustainable, high-performance aquafeeds. Research supports its role in enhancing growth, improving fish health, and optimising nutrient utilisation while contributing to environmental sustainability. By leveraging these benefits, aquafeed producers can formulate more efficient, eco-friendly diets that align with the evolving demands of the aquaculture industry.
Supporting responsible aquaculture
Responsible suppliers and producers in the aquaculture industry recognise that meaningful progress requires transparency regarding environmental impact and innovation to ensure high-quality final products.
At Biomega, we are committed to using high-quality salmon rest materials that meet strict sustainability and quality standards during the production of our salmon oil and salmon protein concentrate.
Healthy source of nutrition
Our Salmigo products are made from Atlantic salmon rest raw materials and provide a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Freshly sourced and rich in natural astaxanthin and omega-3, they are ideal ingredients for high-quality aquafeeds. Salmigo Active, our salmon protein concentrate produced through a patented enzymatic hydrolysis process, supports immune function and growth when included in aquafeed formulations.
Companies worldwide have an essential role to play in ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future. At Biomega, we believe that marine and aquaculture assets are key components of the food value chain and essential for global food security. We remain committed to transforming traditional agrifood systems by integrating sustainable aquaculture solutions.
Published in the April 2025 issue of International Aquafeed & Fish Farming Technology
