Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology (2+1)

Unit 13 - Non-conventional feed ingredients and anti-nutritional factors

13.3.Single Cell Protein

Predictions of future protein shortages have spurred research on non-agricultural methods of protein production. As a result, certain types of high protein products suitable for feeding to livestock and fish are now produced on an industrial scale. Notable among these new protein sources, are single-cell organisms. Single cell proteins (SCP) are mainly derived from unicellular organisms such as yeast and bacteria, but can also include fungi and algae. SCP has reasonably well balanced amino acid profiles. Bacterial SCP also has higher protein content, about 70 percent as compared to 60 percent for yeast. SCP is an excellent source of some vitamins and minerals and also possesses usable lipids and carbohydrates.