Page 31 - Green knowledge 2024

Photo: Anette Tjomsland Spilling
Seaweeds and grass may feed fish and pigs
At a new green biorefinery plant, researchers will test how grass and macroalgae can
provide us with locally produced protein feed that pigs, chickens and fish can utilise. Could
Norway become self-sufficient in proteins?
Norway has established its first pilot plant for green
biorefining at Tuv Research Farm in Steinkjer,
NIBIO. Here, macroalgae and grass undergo rough
treatment in a screw press, releasing valuable nutri-
ents from plant cells. The technology makes it possi-
ble to extract protein and nutrients for feed for
monogastric animals, such as pigs and chickens, as
well as for the aquaculture industry.
Grassland crops cover over half of Norwegian agri-
cultural land. Additionally, we have large quantities
of seaweed along the coast. Recent research showed
that grass has a protein quality comparable to
imported soya.
In a feeding experiment with pigs, researchers found
that we can add considerable amounts of grass pro-
tein concentrate from the biorefinery without affect-
ing meat quality.
In another experiment, dairy cows fed silage of grass
press cake (pulp) milk yield was not affected com-
pared to cows fed traditional grass silage. Feeding
pulp silage may improve nitrogen utilization and
thus reducing negative impact on the environment.
If Norway is to focus on protein feed from biorefin-
ery of forages and macroalgae, we must solve chal-
lenges related to volume, quality and costs. Protein
from green biorefining is currently more expensive
than protein from soya. Researchers are working to
develop more products to make the concept more
profitable, as well as to make the technology and pro-
cess more efficient.
Green biorefining could become key to increased
self-sufficiency and reduced environmental impact in
the future, whilst opening doors for innovation
across several industries.
Purpose: Funding: NIBIO
Contact: To contribute new knowledge about how green biorefining can contribute to sustainable feed
production and the green transition.
Research Scientist Steffen Adler, Division of Food Production and Society.
Email: steffen.adler@nibio.no | Phone:
+
47 404 82 199
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