Irida Contributes to New Scientific Publication on Sustainable Aquafeeds

Irida, in collaboration with partners from the University of Bologna, IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology), and the Fano Marine Center, has contributed to a new peer-reviewed publication in Aquaculture Nutrition titled “Investigating Alternative Organic Ingredients for Sustainable Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) Aquaculture.” The work was carried out under the EU Horizon 2020 project NewTechAqua (Grant No. 862658).

The study, led by the University of Bologna, explored how organic pea protein, brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum), and yeast can replace traditional fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeeds while maintaining fish health and growth. Irida contributed by formulating and producing experimental organic diets in accordance with EU Regulation 2018/848 on organic aquaculture.

Results showed that fishmeal can be replaced with up to 27.5% organic pea protein without compromising performance or welfare. Fish fed with these diets also exhibited improved nutrient utilization and a healthier gut microbiota, characterized by increased populations of beneficial Lactobacillus species.

The full open-access article can be found here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/anu/6697713