Agriculture

Bacterial outbreaks represent a major constraint for marine aquaculture, causing high mortality rates, reduced productivity and significant economic losses. The frequent use of antibiotics to control these infections raises increasing concerns related to antimicrobial resistance, regulatory restrictions and consumer acceptance, creating a strong market demand for sustainable and effective alternatives. Protein hydrolysates derived from animal by-products can contain bioactive peptides with functional properties, including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. These characteristics make them suitable as functional ingredients in aquafeeds, contributing to improved fish health and robustness while supporting circular bioeconomy approaches through the valorisation of side-stream raw materials. The R&D activity focuses on the development of a plant-based aquafeed supplemented with a low inclusion level (3%) of protein hydrolysates. Pilot-scale trials (100 kg) have demonstrated a reduction in mortality in seabass exposed to bacterial infections, indicating the technical feasibility and biological effectiveness of the formulation as an alternative to antibiotic treatments. The technology has reached a demonstration stage and is protected by intellectual property under evaluation. Further development aims to optimise formulation parameters, assess performance under industrial farming conditions and evaluate scalability and cost-effectiveness for commercial aquafeed production. Industrial or research partners active in aquafeed manufacturing, animal nutrition or processing of animal by-products are sought to collaborate in applied R&D, industrial validation and preparation for future market deployment within a research cooperation framework. Advantages and innovations • Reduction of bacterial infection-related mortality in marine aquaculture • Contribution to reduced antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance • Valorisation of animal by-products within a circular bioeconomy approach • Compatibility with plant-based aquafeed formulations • Pilot-scale validation demonstrating technical feasibility Technical Specification or Expertise Sought Partners are sought with expertise in aquafeed formulation, animal nutrition, protein hydrolysis processes, by-product valorisation or industrial scale-up. The partner is expected to contribute to formulation optimisation, process scalability, validation under industrial aquaculture conditions and assessment of regulatory and market requirements. Experience in pilot-to-industrial transition is considered an asset. Expected role of a partner Industrial or research partners active in aquafeed production, animal nutrition, or processing of animal by-products are sought. The partner will collaborate in further R&D activities, including formulation optimisation, scale-up, industrial validation and preparation for future market deployment within a research cooperation framework.