New peer-reviewed publication confirms Zooca® Hydrolysate benefits in aquaculture
A new peer-reviewed study, published in Aquaculture Nutrition (10.1155/anu/5531437), documents the effects of Zooca® Hydrolysate in aquaculture feed. The research shows that this protein extract from Calanus finmarchicus, a key zooplankton species in the North Atlantic, can improve growth performance, gut health, and resilience in European sea bass.
Key finding
Dietary inclusion of Zooca® Hydrolysate in feed for marine fish resulted in:
- Improved growth performance – faster weight gain and better feed conversion compared to other marine proteins.
- Enhanced gut health – reduced intestinal inflammation, stronger mucosal function, and improved resilience.
- Lower oxidative stress – antioxidative effects that reduce tissue damage and support overall robustnes
Why this matters for aquaculture
The findings provide clear evidence that Zooca® Hydrolysate is more than just a protein source. Its unique composition of small peptides and amino acids makes it highly digestible, improving feed utilization while supporting fish health and performance. For producers, this means stronger growth, better resilience, and more efficient production outcomes.
A natural fit for aquaculture
In nature, Calanus finmarchicus forms the very first food source for many fish species. By harvesting this underutilized resource sustainably in the Norwegian Sea and processing it through a gentle, low-heat, solvent-free method, Zooca transforms nature’s “starter feed” into a modern, science-backed aquaculture ingredient.
- Rich in bioactive peptides and amino acids
- Highly digestible and efficient
- Certified sustainable (MarinTrust, Friend of the Sea)
- Documented low carbon footprint, as shown in our life cycle assessment (LCA)
Building a healthier future
With this new publication, Zooca strengthens its scientific foundation for aquaculture solutions. Our mission is to make Calanus finmarchicus available as a sustainable and functional feed ingredient, helping the aquaculture industry and fish farmers achieve improved growth, resilience, and productivity.
Learn more about Zooca® functional ingredients for aquaculture here:
