Barley protein is emerging as a transformative, sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources in aquaculture feeds. Developed through innovative processing techniques that concentrate the protein fraction from the grain, Barley Protein Concentrate (BPC) addresses both the nutritional and environmental challenges facing the industry. Extensive trials have demonstrated that BPC can fully or partially replace fishmeal without compromising growth, feed conversion efficiency, or product quality across a range of commercially relevant species, including Atlantic salmon, Sea bream, Sea bass, Rainbow trout, and Yellowtail.
In large-scale commercial and research settings, BPC-based diets have consistently matched or exceeded the performance of conventional feeds. For example, trout fed diets with significant BPC inclusion (up to 26%) showed equivalent growth rates (SGR 1.43 %/day), feed conversion (1.05) and protein efficiency ratios (2.32), compared to those fed fishmeal-based diets, with some trials indicating improved energy retention and protein digestibility (up to 89%). Similar positive outcomes have been observed in sea bream and yellowtail, confirming the versatility and efficacy of BPC across both freshwater and marine species.
Beyond nutritional performance, BPC offers substantial sustainability benefits. Barley cultivation is less resource-intensive than other major crops, requiring less water and grown typically without irrigation across diverse climates, while the BPC production process eliminating any waste by utilizing all fractions of the grain. By reducing reliance on fishmeal and soy protein-both associated with significant environmental impacts, BPC supports the development of a more resilient and eco-friendly aquaculture sector while delivering excellent growth performance with no antinutrient factors.
This presentation highlights the production processes, testing, and commercial application of barley protein concentrate, underscoring its proven performance and critical role in advancing sustainable aquaculture.