Omega-3 from natural marine algae
Veramaris produces the two essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from natural marine algae for animal nutrition. Our sustainable technology could be a complete replacement for fish-based ingredients for a variety of species.
By combining expertise in cultivating natural marine algae with know-how in industrial-scale fermentation, we have developed an innovation that transforms feed nutrition.
In the North Pacific, we discovered an algal strain of Schizochytrium sp., which naturally produces the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Fermentation secures a supply of these essential nutrients without relying on marine ecosystems.
Breakthrough innovation by Veramaris
Scientists agree omega-3 fatty acids are critical for human and animal health. Throughout the scientific literature, EPA & DHA prove to be the two key omega-3 types that consistently show positive health effects. They are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that we almost exclusively get from marine sources.
Humans and most animals have very limited ability make their own omega-3 from other fats. This is why they must include these essential nutrients in their diet to maintain healthy growth and the normal function of several key organs, such as the brain, the heart and the eyes.
Typically, wild salmon obtain their omega-3 via the natural food chain. Marine algae, the original source of EPA & DHA, are eaten by zooplankton. In turn, these are consumed by wild fish such as anchovies, sprat and blue whiting – fish that wild salmon naturally eat.
EPA & DHA Omega-3 must be added to feed for both farmed and domestic animals. Until recently, fish oil and fishmeal from wild fish stocks were the sole source of these essential fatty acids. In 2016, a total of 16 million metric tons of wild-caught fish were used to produce fish oil and fishmeal.
As natural resources, fishmeal and fish oil are unpredictable in supply. Our breakthrough innovation allows the animal nutrition industry to become independent of marine resources.
With natural marine algae we can bypass the entire food chain and get the omega-3 straight from nature’s own source. Our omega-3 from microalgae is an ideal, high quality alternative to oils from wild catch fish for sustainable animal nutrition.
One tonne of Veramaris algal oil yields the same amount of EPA & DHA omega-3 as sixty tonnes of forage fish. Fish farmers can easily become net protein producers.
Our commitment supports industry players to adopt sustainable feed production as a worldwide standard and become leading stewards of the ocean.
Responsible sourcing of omega-3
Our main production site is located in Blair, Nebraska – right in the middle of the United States of America.
Materials
We only need two materials: sugar and marine algae. The sugar as dextrose can come from any source. Our sugars come from renewable beet, wheat, and corn. Our algal strain, Schizochytrium sp., is cultivated in our Nebraska plant to seed the fermentation process.
Fermentation
During the fermentation process, the algae cells multiply exponentially and convert dextrose into omega-3 fatty acids, which accumulate in oil vesicles.
Downstream
In the downstream process, the cell wall is broken and the oil vesicles are separated from the aqueous phase. Residual water is removed from the oil by centrifugation and the end result is a highly concentrated algal oil and a liquid co-product.
Co-product
The liquid co-product can be used as a protein source in beef cattle feed. Alternatively, it can be converted into biogas for electricity production. This makes our process entirely waste-free.
Algal oil
Our strain of Schizochytrium has the advantage of producing both EPA and DHA in high concentrations, making algal oil an exceptionally rich source of these two essential omega-3 fatty acids. The concentration exceeds 50%.
