By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-Founder, Loopworm
Protein hydrolysates offer multiple benefits for animal growth & immunity boosting, plant nutrition and protection, including nutrient supply, biostimulation, crop protection, soil health improvement, and support for organic farming practices. Their versatility and eco-friendly properties make them valuable tools for sustainable agriculture and horticulture.
Protein hydrolysates are essentially proteins that have been broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids through the process of hydrolysis. This process involves the use of water and enzymes or acids to break the peptide bonds between amino acids, resulting in smaller protein fragments.
The hydrolysis process breaks down proteins into smaller fragments. Smaller peptides and amino acids are absorbed more quickly by the body compared to intact proteins, leading to faster delivery of amino acids to muscles and other tissues for growth, repair, and other physiological processes. Protein hydrolysates often exhibit unique functional properties, such as improved solubility, emulsifying properties, and stability, which can make them suitable for use in various animal feed applications. Hydrolyzing proteins can sometimes reduce their allergenic potential by breaking down allergenic epitopes, making them safer for individuals with food allergies or sensitivities.
The source of protein significantly impacts the quality of protein hydrolysates in several ways, including their nutritional profile, functional properties, digestibility, and potential applications.
Protein hydrolysates serve as a valuable source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids in animal feeds especially aquaculture feeds. They provide nutrients necessary for growth, development, and overall health. They also enhance nutrient absorption and utilisation, leading to better growth rates and feed efficiency. Hydrolyzed proteins can enhance the palatability of fish, shrimp and crustacean feeds, making them more attractive to these aquatic animals. This can encourage increased feed intake, which is essential for promoting growth and maximising production. Protein hydrolysates contain bioactive peptides that may have stress-reducing effects on shrimp and other crustaceans. By including hydrolyzed proteins in feeds, aquaculture producers can potentially improve the resilience and survival rates of their livestock during periods of environmental stress or disease challenges. Some protein hydrolysates contain bioactive peptides that have immunomodulatory effects, helping to support the immune system of salmon, trout, and other fish species. Strengthening the fish’s immune defences can enhance disease resistance and reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in aquaculture operations.
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