Canadian aquaculture research organization Onda is partnering with the Canola Council of Canada (CCC) on a new research initiative aimed at evaluating the use of canola meal as a sustainable ingredient in aquaculture feed.
The 18-month project is part of the Canola AgriScience Cluster, a five-year program funded under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
The project will assess the nutritional, environmental, and economic viability of canola meal in fish feed, focusing on its impact on fish growth, disease resistance, and the environmental footprint of salmon farming. Research objectives include updating nutrient digestibility values, conducting a life cycle analysis of canola meal in salmon feed, and generating data to support its adoption in aquaculture.
Aquaculture’s growing role in global protein supply has heightened the need for sustainable feed alternatives to reduce reliance on marine-based ingredients. Canola meal is being considered as a potential plant-based protein source due to its market availability, balanced amino acid profile, and cost-effectiveness.
“This research will enhance our understanding of canola meal’s potential in aquaculture and build market opportunities for Canadian canola,” said Chris Manchur, CCC agronomy specialist and research lead.
The project leverages Onda’s expertise in aquaculture nutrition and health alongside the CCC’s knowledge of canola production and its applications in animal feed. It will involve Onda’s Nutrition, Health, FeedTech, and LabTech units, with findings disseminated to stakeholders upon completion.
“Our goal is to explore alternative feed sources to address the environmental challenges facing aquaculture while unlocking new markets for Canadian canola,” said Myrna Gillis, CEO of Onda.
Preliminary benchtop studies have shown encouraging results, and further trials are expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of canola meal’s efficacy in fish feed formulations, according to Ivan Tankovski, Onda’s Director of Nutrition.
The Canola AgriScience Cluster is supported by contributions from the CCC, provincial grower associations, and public research institutions across Canada. In total, 17 projects will be conducted under the program, focusing on enhancing the value and marketability of Canadian canola.
The results of this research are expected to contribute to sustainable aquaculture practices by providing a plant-based alternative to traditional fishmeal, supporting the industry’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
