Process for growing thraustochytrium and schizochytrium using non-chloride salts to produce a microfloral biomass having omega-3-highly unsaturated fatty acids

Abstract

Disclosed is a process for growing the microflora Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, which includes the growing of the microflora in fermentation medium containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate and less than about 3 grams of chloride per liter of medium. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process produces microfloral biomass having cell aggregates of average size less than about 150 microns in diameter useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, rapeseed, soybean and avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.