Value creation through characterization of bioactive properties in residual material from Atlantic salmon - an integrated approach

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Hordafor AS is the worlds largest producer and exporter of oil and proteins produced from residual materials from salmon and trout aquaculture. The company also handles residual material from Norwegian fisheries. The company produces oil and hydrolysed pr otein concentrates (autolysis) and has a long tradition of market-oriented development. There is a need for thorough documentation of the properties of hydrolysed fish protein concentrate in order to fully exploit the potential for value creation. If the product has additional bioactive properties the market is willing to pay a higher price for the documented benefits. A preliminary Hordafor study together with the University of Aarhus (Foulum) and the International Research Institute of Stavanger (IRIS) revealed that protein concentrate produced from salmon and trout residuals have these additional benefits. The study revealed that adding H-pro to piglet feed improved feed intake as well as growth compared to other protein sources generally used in the p ig industry. In addition, IRIS identified peptides with potential bioactive properties on the cardiovascular system, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity and immunomodulation. In this project advanced mass spectrometry tools will be applied to pr ovide a detailed documentation of the potential bioactive properties in residual material, including potential health promoting properties and appetite stimulation. In parallel to this, the National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES) will utilise in vitro studies to verify anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory functions and properties expected in the product. Further, the University of Aarhus (Foulum)will be responsible for planning in vivo studies to verify results. This detailed document ation will provide the foundation for an innovative market strategy with the goal of increased potential for value creation from residual aquaculture material.