Aquaculture remains one of the fastest-growing food industries, producing more than 50% of the seafood consumed globally. However, the sourcing of alternative proteins to the traditionally used ingredients, the finite marine fishmeal and the highly competitive soya protein, remains a challenge if the sector is to continue to grow. One such alternative protein source is FeedKind, a single-cell protein (SCP) derived from a consortium of bacteria. This novel approach is considered more sustainable due to its production methods requiring less land use, thereby reducing competition with agriculture. Due to SCP’s need to consume greenhouse gases such as methane, to grow in biomass, its production is regarded as being carbon negative.
Furthermore, SCP from FeedKind (Calysta) has a high production efficiency and it is considered high in protein, averaging 75% with a balanced amino acid profile, making it suitable for many aquaculture species. More importantly, SCP has performed well in the diets of prawns (Litopenaeus vannamei) and fish (including rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, Japanese yellowtail, tilapia, and sea bream) as a substitute for fishmeal. Moreover, protein digestibility ranges from 88-92%, suggesting that the nitrogen component of the diet is utilised by animals for a range of biological functions. However, although the SCP contains around 75% crude protein, as determined by multiplying the nitrogen content by a standard conversion factor of 6.25, when the sum of essential and non-essential amino acids is calculated, the amount of protein is only 64%. This signifies that within the bacterial meal itself, there are sources of non-protein nitrogen that may be contributing to good growth performance, enhanced feed efficiency and increased immunity. This may also signify that the conversion factor from nitrogen-to-protein in SCP may deviate from the standard 6.25 and needs defining.
This project will assess the nutritional composition of the SCP as well as conduct nutritional trials to trace and determine the role of SCP non-protein nitrogen within a range of aquaculture species, which will be chosen following initial exploration of the area coupled with emerging student interests.
The PhD candidate will work with the University of Stirling and Calysta to determine SCP's actual nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor and ascertain immune outcomes in collaboration with University of Aberdeen using relevant immune markers. In addition, the student will gain practical experience from working with Calysta, the industry partner in this project, with the student receiving further insight into industrial fields such as economics, fermentation, and lab accreditation.
To apply for an EASTBIO PhD studentship, follow the instructions below:
Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Amina Moss. To apply, please send a cover letter outlining your previous research experience and reasons for applying, alongside an up-to-date CV to [Email Address Removed]
After you have discussed the projects of interest to you with Dr Amina Moss, download and complete our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey and then fill in the EASTBIO Application Form and submit to each of your proposed projects as per the instructions in the project adverts. They can be found here http://www.eastscotbiodtp.ac.uk/how-apply-0
Send the EASTBIO Reference Form to your two academic/professional referees, and ask them to submit as specified on the project adverts.
We anticipate that our first set of interviews will be held in early February 2023.
Please ask your referees to submit your references directly to Dr Amina Moss [Email Address Removed]
If you have further queries about the application/recruitment process please contact [Email Address Removed]