Adding value to canola meal: Preparation of high protein meals

Canola meal has the potential to be an alternative protein source for human consumption due to its high biological value, high protein efficiency ratio and balanced amino acid composition. It also has good potential to confer technologically functional properties for performance as a viable food ingredient. However, the high production cost of canola proteins may be an issue. Large scale commercialisation of canola proteins has not been successful despite the extensive research and attempts for realization of canola proteins for food industry. Canola meal as a source of protein is currently underutilised. Canola meal contains approximately 40% proteins and is mainly used as cattle feed. Higher market value aquaculture feed has a much higher protein content (60-65%). A processing method has been developed to increase the protein content of canola meal to more than 60%, while maintaining its high protein digestibility. Additionally, the processed canola meal has an enhanced amino acid profile, but reduced levels of dietary fibre and anti-nutrients. The production cost of this high protein meal is much lower than the average market price of fishmeal, making it a commercially viable and attractive contender in aquaculture feed market. Development of high protein meal for aquaculture feed has the potential to increase profitability of the canola production and processing industries.