SBIR-STTR Award

Although production of abalone by U.S. farmers is increasing rapidly, U.S. manufacturers do not currently produce a commercial feed for this valuable mollusc. At present, U.S. farmers depend on natural production of kelp harvested from coastal waters. This dependance on perishable feedstock is inefficient and potentially damaging to the industry. Artificial abalone feeds produced in Japan are cost-prohibitive in the U.S., and experimental feeds made by conventional methods (extrusion and drum drying) received mixed results in feeding trials with indigenous abalone. We propose to research a new type of feed that physically resembles kelp blades and is exposed to relatively mild conditions during processing. To manufacture kelp-like (KL) prototypes, we will test a new thermal gelation and vacuum drying concept. Water stability, shelf life, and nutrient content of KL prototypes will be compared to those of prototypes made by vacuum drum drying and pasta-extrusion techniques. If successful, the KL feed will be uniquely different than conventional aquaculture feeds and will provide functional, nutritional, and economic advantages over natural kelp.

Anticipated Results:
Strong commercialization potential for a cost-effective feed for farmed abalone exists in the U.S. and abroad. Preliminary estimates indicate that a KL feed similar in quality to our other products would compete favorably with foreign feeds and whole kelp.

Abalone's adaptation to is natural food, kelp, presents a special challenge for aquaculture: to better understand nutrient quality and form needed to develop manufactured feeds. Successful feed making means first defining, quantifying, and correlating information on 1) the captive environment for growout: 2) nutrient values and special problems of feed presentation, i.e. providing feeder substrate and seawater stability; and 3) progressive feed "engineering" for best economy of nutrients, processes, feed handling, and abalone's unique physiology. Guided by Phase-I studies, we propose to 1) formulate and further refine nutrient "packages" amenable to abalone feeding and adaptable to new and modified manufacturing processes; 2) correlate statistical estimates of growth and survival from (laboratory and field) animal tests with feed-design variables; and 3) evaluate standard nutrition indices allowing us to optimize feed composition (nutrient density. protein/energy, digestibility, protein efficiency, etc.), and feed attractant and micronutrient values. Our work plan includes iterations of several test variables to evaluate and set peak attributes of feed quality and form. Success in Phase II will allow us to develop unique feeds providing functional, nutritional. and economic advantages as kelp replacement or supplementation in abalone culture.Applications:Strong commercialization potential for a cost-effective feed for farmed abalone exists in the U.S. and abroad. Preliminary estimates indicate that a feed similar in quality to our other aquaculture feeds would compete favorably with foreign feeds and whole kelp.