“Juicing” Alfalfa for a Sustainable Aquaculture

Cows and horses aren't the only fans of alfalfa. Yellow perch like it, too. ARS scientists in Madison, WI, are experimenting with alfalfa as a promising alternative to using fishmeal, a protein-rich ingredient in aquaculture feeds given to "farm-raised" finfish and shellfish.

There’s concern that increasing consumer demand for aquaculture products like these will outpace what the ocean's wild-caught stock of sardine, anchovy, menhaden and other small forage fish can supply as a fishmeal resource for aquafeeds. Nutritious, affordable, plant-based alternatives could help ease the burden on these forage fish populations, which are important members of the marine ecosystem and its inhabitants, particularly larger predatory species.

Read "Researchers are Juicing Alfalfa as a Next-Generation Aquafeed" to learn more.