Autolysis of phytic acid and protein in canola meal (Brassica spp.), wheat bran (Triticum spp.) and fish silage blends

Fish silage, canola meal, and wheat bran were blended to form an acid‐stabilised, paste‐like product. Changes in protein nitrogen, non‐protein nitrogen, phytic acid, and orthophosphorus contents of the acidified blends were measured over a 5‐week period of storage at room temperature (20–22°C). During the storage period, phytic acid from the canola meal was dephosphorylated by phytase from the wheat bran. Changes in the level of non‐protein nitrogen showed that the fish proteins were partially hydrolysed and liquefied during storage, and that the fish enzymes may have partially hydrolysed the canola meal and wheat bran proteins. The resulting product could be stored at room temperature without spoiling and could be dried in conventional drying equipment. This process provides a means of improving the nutritional value of canola meal by reducing its high phytate content, and of producing a homogeneous dry feed commodity from liquid fish silage.