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HAVBRUKS-Havbruk - en næring i vekst

Biotechnological production of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and feed rich in PUFAs for aquaculture purposes

Awarded: NOK 3.3 mill.

Project Manager:

Project Number:

164997

Application Type:

Project Period:

2005 - 2008

Thraustochytrids are a group of nonphotosynthetic, heterotrophic organisms, presently classified under the Stramenophila kingdom, together with the oomycetes and labyrinthulids. Members of the genera Schizochytrium and Thraustochytrium have been studied a s potential omega-3 producers for industrial use, due to their high lipid content ( and high levels of DHA . Most reports concerning the production of PUFAs by thraustochytrids have dealt almost exclusively with DHA production. Compared to fish oils, micr obes can provide a stable supply of fatty acids that can be easily mass produce, a less fishy smell and highly purified DHA and other PUFAs. Two earlier projects related to the study of Thraustochytrids have been supported by the Norwegian Research Counci l. The prsent project will utilise the strains that was isolated and characterized in the previous projects for development of new feed ingredients. Since the precious isalted strains seem to have different composition and properties, both will be used i n the project. Cell mass will be produced in large scale fermentations. Processes for production of three products will be developed: Dried, whole cell mass, purified oil, and the cell rests after isolation of the oil which will contain the phospholipid f raction ("by-product"). The products will be evaluated and tested for use as feed, or feed ingredients in marine aquaculture (first feeding and on-growing feed). Tests for enrichment of live feed (rotifers and Artemia) will be carried out at SINTEF. Elabo ration of microdiets and digestive studies will also be done. Use of the thraustochytrid oil and by-product as ingredient in formulated on-growing feed will be evaluated after the second year of the project

Funding scheme:

HAVBRUKS-Havbruk - en næring i vekst

Thematic Areas and Topics

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