BioMar A/S enters groundbreaking project with leading organizations to revolutionize the future of fish feed by developing a pioneering, sustainable faba bean protein concentrate (HPC) that could replace soy and other resource-intensive ingredients in aquaculture – without compromising fish growth or welfare.
The project is dedicated to improving protein content, amino acid composition and reducing starch, making faba beans a viable, eco-friendly and competitive alternative that can help reduce the environmental impact of fish farming. During this fascinating project, scientists are focusing on utilizing innovative mechanical processing techniques, alongside selecting faba bean varieties with the perfect nutritional profile and low levels of antinutritional factors.
Project partners: Nordic Seed A/S, Aarhus Protin A/S, AU-FOOD, DTU AQUA and BioMar A/S.
From land to ocean: A bean with benefits
As the aquaculture industry expands, one of the key challenges is finding sustainable and nutritious alternatives to traditional ingredients like fish meal and fish oil, which have been the cornerstone of aquafeeds historically. One promising alternative that is gaining attention in aqua-faced formulation are horse beans.
Horse beans are legumes belonging to the Fabaceae family and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Known for their robust, hearty growth, horse beans are widely grown in temperate regions. It is an annual plant that typically grows to about 60 to 90cm, highly valued for their nutritional profile, being packed with starch, proteins and essential minerals, making them an excellent candidate for animal feed.
In terms of nutritional content, horse beans are rich in protein and starch but also contain vital micronutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which contribute to the overall health and growth of aquatic organisms. Moreover, these beans have anti-inflammatory properties because they contain potent antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, which help protect cells from damage.
When the fiber-rich outer hull is removed and the beans are ground and blended, they serve not only as a highly digestible protein source but also as a natural binder. This enhances the feed’s texture and helps improve feed efficiency, ensuring that fish receive the nutrients they need with minimal waste.
One of the key drivers behind the adoption of horse beans in aquafeed is their environmental profile. The carbon footprint of horse beans is categorized as low to medium, making them a more sustainable option. Moreover, the use of horse beans aligns with the growing trend toward sourcing vegetable ingredients that can reduce reliance on over-exploited marine ecosystems. This shift supports a more balanced approach to feeding farmed fish, ensuring that aquaculture can thrive without putting undue pressure on wild fish populations.
Water usage: Horse beans typically require less water compared to many other crops. This is especially important in regions where water resources are scarce or under stress. Horse beans are more drought-tolerant than other legumes, making them a suitable option for areas prone to dry conditions.
Soil helpers: Horse beans, like other legumes, are nitrogen fixers. This means they have the ability to take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that can be used by plants. This process enriches the soil with nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. As a result, horse beans can improve soil health and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Pest resistance: Horse beans have natural resistance to certain pests and diseases, which can reduce the need for chemical pesticides. This resistance can be attributed to their natural defenses, which make them less reliant on synthetic inputs compared to more vulnerable crops.
While horse beans are not classified as a circular or restorative raw material, there is potential for them to fit into regenerative agriculture practices. This would further enhance their role in sustainable aquaculture by promoting biodiversity and improving soil health.