Onda to advance plant-based aquafeed research

The programme aims to provide an alternative to traditional feed ingredients whilst expanding the market for Canadian canola.

Onda, a Canadian aquaculture research organisation, has announced a new project to investigate the use of canola as an alternative aquafeed ingredient. The programme aims to provide an alternative to traditional feed ingredients whilst expanding the market for Canadian canola.

The Canadian contract research organisation Onda, which specialises in aquaculture research, has announced a collaboration with the Canola Council of Canada (CCC) on a new Canola AgriScience Cluster research project examining the use of canola-based feed meal for sustainable aquaculture production.

The research programme, which seeks to expand the market for Canadian canola, is being funded under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership with contributions from the CCC, Alberta Canola, SaskOilseeds, Manitoba Canola Growers and the Ontario Canola Growers Association.

“As global demand for seafood continues to rise, the need for sustainable practices in aquaculture has become more pressing than ever. By advancing research into alternative feed sources, Onda and the canola sector are helping the industry meet these challenges head-on while working to unlock new markets for Canadian canola,” said Myrna Gillis, Onda chief executive, in a press release.

Onda’s 18-month research project will evaluate the use of Canadian canola meal in fish feed and its impact on growth, disease resistance and the environment, providing new data on its use in aquaculture. The research will involve Onda’s Nutrition, Health, FeedTech and LabTech business units and will culminate in shared research and dissemination of the findings.

“This research will enhance our understanding of canola meal’s nutritional value in aquaculture, helping to build market opportunities and further canola’s value-added contributions to our food and feed systems,” commented Chris Manchur, CCC agronomy specialist and research lead.

The findings from this research are expected to contribute to more sustainable aquaculture production methods and support the industry’s commitment to reducing its reliance on marine-based ingredients.

The programme aims to provide an alternative