Technology Overview

In Singapore, more than 30,000kg of Okara is generated from soya milk and tofu production. Due to its high amount of insoluble dietary fiber and a distinctive, unpleasant smell, Okara is often discarded as a waste product. Despite its low palatability, Okara is rich in nutrients. RP has developed a cost-effective formulation that incorporates Okara in the feed for L.vannamei shrimp. The formulation can potentially be adapted and customised for other aquatic species.

Technology Features

Okara contains the following beneficial nutrients:

• 50% insoluble fiber

• ~25% proteins

• 10% unsaturated fats

• Isoflavones

• Vitamins and minerals

Potential Applications

Okara is used as a cost-effective feed for high-demand L.vannamei shrimp, a commonly consumed shrimp species in Singapore. Shrimps fed with Okara-based feed exhibited a comparable growth rate to the group fed with commercial diet. Additionally, the Okara-based feed is more cost-effective to produce than the commercial feed used in the industry. An Okara-based feed for abalone has also been developed, and there is potential for Okara to be included in feed for other aquatic species such as mollusk and fish.

Benefits

• An alternative nutrient source for animal feed that promotes food supply sustainability and reduces of food waste.

• A cost-effective plant-based functional ingredient that lowers the costs of feed for aquaculture farms.

• The nutritional composition can be tailored for different species.

• Enhanced length and weight growth in shrimps.

Commercialisation

The technology is available for licensing and technology transfer.