A novel canola protein concentrate (NCPC) was developed as part of a new research program using biotechnological techniques. This project was successfully conducted via a fund provided by the Iran National Science Foundation. Six Iranian and three international research centers (Australia, UK and South Korea) successfully collaborated. Using a unique biotechnological approach model the protein content of canola meal was significantly increased whereas the concentration of some antinutritional factors (ANFs) including phytic acid and glucosinolates were significantly decreased. The main limitation of the plant protein concentrates that have been produced so far is the concurrent concentrating of ANFs with increased crude protein content. The main advantage of the current technique is reducing the level of some ANFs that are the primary limiting factors in poultry and fish nutrition. The research employed a mixed model of physical, chemical and biotechnological processing methods to increase the crude protein content of NCPC (based on dry matter) up to approximately 87%. This compares to a maximum reported 72% crude protein content of canola protein concentrate so far developed using the current common methods. The Essential Amino Acid Index (EAAI) of NCPC was significantly higher than other similar products and it could be considered as an appropriate alternative feed to fish meal. NCPC has been used effectively at up to 30% in rainbow trout feeds with excellent results. Due to the current limitations in terms of the availability of fish meal, production of this concentrate could be a good answer to the increasing demand of aquaculture industry to fish meal at an international level. NCPC provides an exciting new protein source for aquafeed industry and help to address the critical issues of fish meal replacement. In addition NCPC could be used in poultry industry and convince canola farmers to expand their production due to earning higher income. Using an optimization process, the commercial production of this product would be possible at large scale.

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