Utilization of functional feed additives to produce cost‐effective, ecofriendly aquafeeds high in plant‐based ingredients

Abstract

Fishmeals (FM) are the most superior protein sources in aquafeed. World‐wide growing demand and limited supply of FM limit its use as sole protein sources in aquafeed and force fish nutritionists to develop alternate protein‐based aquafeeds. However, increasing alternate proteins over a certain percentage reduces fish performance. Many attempts have been made (viz., manipulation of processing technology of feed ingredients and feed formulations, supplementation strategy) to overcome the negative effects of increasing alternative protein inclusion in aquafeeds. Among them, supplementation of functional feed additives (FuFAs) has received promising attention. Recently, several FuFA (nucleotides, organic acid, probiotics, prebiotics, and certain amino acids) have been administrated in alternative protein‐based aquafeeds and demonstrate increased efficiency of alternative protein utilization along with improved fish growth and health performances. However, numerous gaps remain in existing knowledge about the administration of exogenous FuFA in alternative protein‐based aquafeeds, including the effects on digestion, age/size‐related responses, species variations, absorption, metabolism, and influences on physiological responses. Application of biochemical and molecular technologies is important to better understand the underlying mechanisms of FuFA functions in alternate protein‐based aquafeed to improve fish and shrimp performance. Efforts are also needed by researchers and industrialists regarding production technologies to reduce functional feed supplement costs. Moreover, in‐depth research knowledge is needed considering the use of functional feeds to combat fish diseases and reduce dependence on antibiotics and chemical therapeutants, thereby making aquaculture more eco‐friendly.

Influence of dietary mannan-oligosaccharides supplementation on hematological characteristics, blood biochemical parameters, immune response and histological state of laying hens

“…According to Hossain et al (2023) , this effect on immune response may have been caused by the MOS's influence on the immune response, enhanced intestinal absorption of certain nutrients, including Zn, Cu, and Se, or a combination of the 2. Much of the nature of the mechanism responsible for MOS-related immunomodulation is yet unknown.…”

Effects of yeast extract supplemented in diet on growth performance, digestibility, intestinal histology, and the antioxidant capacity of the juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

“…The supply of fish meal for aquafeed is continuing to decrease, and the aquatic environment is deteriorating with the rapid rise of aquaculture ( Han et al, 2018 ). Generally, aquatic feed accounts for 50%–60% of the total cost in aquaculture ( Hardy, 2010 ), and its quality is closely related to the production efficiency of aquaculture and the output of waste discharged into surroundings ( Hossain et al, 2023 ). Hence, successful sustainable aquaculture in the future heavily depends on the efficiency of the artificial feed.…”

Effect of Four Functional Feed Additives on Growth, Serum Biochemistry, Antioxidant Capacity, Gene Expressions, Histomorphology, Digestive Enzyme Activities and Disease Resistance in Juvenile Olive Flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus

“…However, high inclusion of these ingredients in aquafeeds is limited due to an imbalance in essential amino acids, the presence of antinutritional factors, inconsistent quality and low palatability and digestibility [ 2 , 9 , 17 , 18 ]. Recent studies have shown that some of the problems associated with alternative plant and animal ingredients can be partly addressed by the incorporation of functional feed additives in the diet [ 19 ].…”

“…Functional feed additives are defined as nutritive/non-nutritive compounds that are included in feed formulations to serve a specific function, such as improving the physical or chemical properties of the diet or the performance and quality of fish and their resulting products [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. There are a variety of feed additives, quite diverse in their chemical nature, being used in feed formulations [ 19 ].…”