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ARS Home » Midwest Area » St. Paul, Minnesota » Plant Science Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #359360
Research Project: Enhanced Alfalfa Germplasm and Genomic Resources for Yield, Quality, and Environmental Protection

Location: Plant Science Research

Title: Alfalfa leaf protein concentrate: A sustainable protein source for aquaculture feeds

Author
item Samac, Deborah - Debby
item COBURN, JESSICA E. - University Of Minnesota
item PHELPS, NICHOLAS - University Of Minnesota
item WELLS, M. SCOTT - University Of Minnesota

Submitted to: Aquaculture America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2019
Publication Date: 3/7/2019
Citation: Samac, D.A., Coburn, J.M., Phelps, N., Wells, M. 2019. Alfalfa leaf protein concentrate: A sustainable protein source for aquaculture feeds. Aquaculture America. March 7-11, 2019. New Orleans, Lousiana.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Interest in local, sustainable aquaculture is continuing to expand across the United States. To ensure profitability and high consumer acceptance, a plant-based non-GMO source of protein is needed for replacing fishmeal in aquaculture diets. Most replacements in current use are derived from seeds, and often contain undesirable antinutritional components. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a high biomass perennial legume that is grown across the U.S. for use in animal feeds. We evaluated the yield and composition of protein concentrates derived from fresh alfalfa foliage. Furthermore, a commercial alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) was used to replace fishmeal in diets for yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Weight gains, growth rate, and feed conversion ratios were measured.