Australian algae producer enters animal feed market

By David Anderson

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Animal feed Aquaculture Nutrition

© iStock
© iStock
A specialist algae producer, known for work in the biofuel industry, is diversifying and making a play for the animal feed industry.

Australia-based Algae.Tec has developed a technology to make commercial quantities of algae for use in the fuel, nutraceutical and, now, animal feed sectors.

Its FeedMe product line is being marketed for the animal and the acquaculture feed markets. It was officially launched last month with the first sales through online channels and to leading downstream product formulators and distributors.

Protein and fatty acid constituents 

The FeedMe range includes powders comprising high protein content, minerals and vitamins with one also containing the essential fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and another one rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), said the company.  

Peter Hatfull, managing director of Algae.Tec, told FeedNavigator he believes the algae powder has significant potential, and that Algae.Tec is having conversations with big fish farms in Australia and the US about possible deals.

The algae derived feed product offers several advantages, especially for the aquaculture market, he said. 

Algae.Tec uses an enclosed modular high-yield, algae growth manufacturing system.

The company said the photo-reactor system offers cost, scale and yield advantages over the open pond method, and, in addition, the system is designed to capture carbon dioxide waste from power plants and manufacturing facilities.

“Over the last year or two the aquaculture and animal feed industries have been looking for additives to add to their feed stock which add back essential acids and vitamins."

Hatfull believes, over time, segments such as poultry production and fish farms will form a significant part of Algae.Tec's business.

He said the firm is now looking to raise funds to increase production levels, so it can try and make strides in the feed market, as well as the nutraucetical sector.

While Algae.Tec is an Australian company, the feed project is largely being run out of Atlanta, where the company’s research and manufacturing facility is located.

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