Ento-Protein™

A Sustainable Protein Source - Ento-protein™

Many different sources of proteins have been explored to date. The difficulty in identifying a proper source arises from the requirement of most carnivorous species of a high quality animal-based protein source. Aqua Biologics, Inc. is now researching a high quality protein meal derived from insects, called Ento-protein™. Insects are naturally consumed in nature by most freshwater species, and represent one of the finest animal protein sources available. Controlled mass production of select insect species will produce a high quality, sustainable protein substitute for fish and livestock diets. Additionally, the controlled production of Ento-protein™ can provide an organic dietary source for certified organic seafood diets. The elimination of fishmeal from fish and animal diets has been one of the key issues at the forefront of U.S. Organic Standard certification. Organically certified seafood represents an enormous market for producers.

Aqua Biologics, Inc. has filed a patent on the production process of Ento-Protein™. Ento-Protein™ is a high quality dry protein meal created from commercially raised and processed insects. Through a prior cooperative research effort with Mississippi State University, Aqua Biologics selected and tested various insect species for Ento-Protein’s™ commercial production. MSU was the pioneer in insect rearing methodology over 30 years ago, and remains one of the few Entomology programs worldwide to specialize in insect rearing.

 

Keys to Success

Developing a new, revolutionary product involves many important steps. The thorough completion of research and analysis of data is critical to the success of commercial operations. Identification of potential bottlenecks and anticipated solutions will be mapped and included in the business development strategy. Clearly the economics of mass insect production will play a major role in the commercial viability. Utilizing low-cost land, labor, and feed will be key components. As well, technology and automation of facilities to reduce manpower and increase production efficiency will inevitability influence cost.

Benefits to the Aquaculture Industry

As an industry, we must react now to head off a significant bottleneck in projected growth and market competitiveness. Sustainability of feed is critical to allowing unhindered growth of our industry, as well as to protect and nourish our world fisheries stocks.

All-natural and organic foods are producing 20%+ growth per year in the food industry. A more and more countries come on-line with Organic standards and certification, the aquaculture industry should see a genuine growth spurt. Once again, the use of sustainable, high quality, commercially produced protein that can be certified organic will be critical to allowing farmed seafood to compete in this market.

The broad diversity and body composition within the class of insects should allow dietary recipes to be created to generate species specific diets. It is anticipated that Ento-Protein™ will initially provide a necessary solution to sustainable, all-natural, and organic based fish and animal production. As the production process reaches full stride globally, it may provide a high quality protein meal for fish, livestock and human diets.