Could Chlorella pyrenoidosa be exploited as an alternative nutrition source in aquaculture feed? A study on the nutritional values and anti-nutritional factors

Abstract

This work attempted to identify if microalgal biomass can be utilized as an alternative nutrition source in aquaculture feed by analyzing its nutritional value and the anti-nutritional factors (ANFs). The results showed that Chlorella pyrenoidosa contained high-value nutrients, including essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. The protein content in C. pyrenoidosa reached 52.4%, suggesting that microalgal biomass can be a good protein source for aquatic animals. We also discovered that C. pyrenoidosa contained some ANFs, including saponin, phytic acid, and tannins, which may negatively impact fish productivity. The high-molecular-weight proteins in microalgae may not be effectively digested by aquatic animals. Therefore, based on the findings of this study, proper measures should be taken to pretreat microalgal biomass to improve the nutritional value of a microalgae-based fish diet.

Microalgae Technology in Aquaculture Applications: A Comprehensive Literature Review

“…These nutrients are fundamental for the growth, development, and overall well-being of aquatic life. Proteins are crucial for growth, and microalgae offer a plentiful supply of high-quality proteins, containing a diverse range of essential amino acids necessary for protein synthesis and physiological functions (Chen et al, 2022). Omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are essential for aquatic organisms' growth, reproduction, and overall health, with microalgae being a primary source in aquatic ecosystems (Fang et al, 2022).…”

“…Additionally, microalgae contain other valuable lipids, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, critical for energy storage, membrane structure, and various physiological processes in aquatic organisms (Yaakob et al, 2014). The nutritional composition of microalgae can be optimized through cultivation strategies, offering tailored nutrient profiles for different aquaculture species (Chen et al, 2022). Cultivating microalgae using sustainable methods underscores their potential as an eco-friendly solution to meet the nutritional needs of aquatic organisms in aquaculture, further promoting sustainability (Chacón-Lee & González-Mariño, 2010;Kumar et al, 2020).…”

Effects of Dietary Supplement of Basil Extract on Biochemical and Immunological Parameters and Growth Performance in Oncorhynchus mykiss

“…Aquaculture is viewed as a sustainable approach to extend depleted fish populations and endangered fish types, preserve them, and close the gap between supply and demand for aquatic food [1][2][3]. Aquaculture operations productivity is affected by a number of interconnected aspects, including the aquatic environment, nutrition, and the farmed stock [4][5][6]. Maximizing these factors is the foundation of sustainable aquaculture [7].…”

The Gill-Associated Bacterial Community Is More Affected by Exogenous Chlorella pyrenoidosa Addition than the Bacterial Communities of Water and Fish Gut in GIFT Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Aquaculture System

“…It has been reported that microalgae can effectively improve the immune function and growth of the cultured animals, thereby increasing the efficiency of aquaculture [ 4 , 5 ]. Among them, Chlorella pyrenoidosa , belonging to the genus Chlorella , phylum Chlorophyta, is widely used in feed addition in aquaculture because of it contains a variety of unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, carotenoids, biological polysaccharides, minerals, and other metabolites [ 6 ]. Therefore, the exogenous microalgae addition can achieve the dual effects of regulating water quality and promoting the growth of the cultured animals, thereby providing an effective way to promote sustainable development of freshwater aquaculture.…”