Soy-in-Aquaculture- New managed Research Initiative
Nutritional studies designed to evaluate alternative sources of crude protein and essential amino acids in diets of aquatic animals have been ongoing for over thirty years. However, these efforts have not been coordinated in a manner that allows systematic evaluation and establishment of lines of research building on previous results. In 2003, the United Soybean Board and several state soybean boards initiated a Managed Research Initiative focused on removing barriers to use soybean meal in diets fed to aquatic species. The initial focus was on rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon. Specifically, researchers from seven U.S. institutions are systematically examining the effects of antinutritional factors in the diets of these species. The factors are the lectins, spooning and trypsin inhibitors found in soybean meal. They are also evaluating the potential beneficial effects of soy isoflavones on trout and salmon performance, the taste and nutritional characteristics of these species fed soy diets, and the economics of various production strategies when soy products are included in the diet formulation. This managed approach is designed to evaluate the isolated chemical components in soybeans and then provide an understanding of the commercial ramifications of this change in dietary formulations. (For additional information on this managed research project contact Dr. Paul Brown, pd@purdue.edu).

Brown, Paul B. 2004. Soy-in-Aquaculture- A managed research initiative linking agricultural sectors. Aquaculture-2004 (abstract p47).