The algae strains used in the feed trials were grown in BioProcess Algae’s Grower Harvester reactors co-located with Green Plains’ ethanol plant in Shenandoah, Iowa.
The testing found high energy and protein content that was readily available, the companies said.
In addition to the high energy and protein content, the testing found amino acid profiles similar to existing feed components.
University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences professor Carl Parsons said for the first time, we tested algae as a poultry feed-product and many of the qualities found were similar to high protein soymeal, but with higher energy content.
BioProcess Algae CEO Tim Burns said based on these first-round tests, the company will continue the development of this and other high-quality animal feed products from our algae.
"We will proceed with further testing for poultry and begin evaluating a replacement product for fishmeal," Burns said.
Green Plains is an ethanol producer, marketer and distributor in North America.
