Moving toward sustainable fish feeds
The aquaculture industry has significantly reduced fishmeal levels in feeds for major farmed species. To further reduce fishmeal use, new research approaches are essential.
White shrimp study compares commercial feed attractants
A recent study in Brazil tested the efficacy of nine commercial feed attractants for Litopenaeus vannamei. Condensed fish-soluble protein, an amino acid complex with digested bivalve mollusk, and whole squid protein hydrolysate stimulated the highest feeding responses.
Varied feed additives improve gut, animal health
There is increasing evidence that natural feed additives can have beneficial effects on aquaculture animals by supporting well-balanced gut microflora and improving gut health.
Biofloc: novel sustainable ingredient for shrimp feed
Recent research is demonstrating that biofloc-based proteins are suitable replacements for fishmeal in aquaculture diets. Since bioflocs can be produced while treating aquaculture effluents, a waste product can be converted into a valuable resource.
Microbial flocs spare protein in white shrimp diets
The authors conducted a study to determine how reducing the protein content of a diet would affect the growth performance of L. vannamei reared in an experimental microbial floc culture system.
Mutton snappers grow well on plant-based diets
A study in Brazil indicated that mutton snappers, a high-value species that readily accepts artificial food, can grow well on diets containing high-quality plant proteins such as soy protein concentrate.
Mycotoxins in feed affect fish health, performance
Nutritious and cost-effective aquafeeds can be formulated using high levels of plant feedstuffs. However, this may increase the risk of exposure to mycotoxins.
Palm oil replaces fish oil in tilapia feed
In studies, the physical and sensory qualities of fillets from tilapia fed diets with 100 percent substitution of fish oil with various palm oil fractions were generally not affected by the change of dietary oil source.
Animal byproducts can provide cholesterol for shrimp feed
Animal byproducts like blood meal, meat and bone meal and other rendered products are good sources of cholesterol for use in aquaculture feed.
Emerging issues for sustainable feed
A survey found that many large retailers see the sustainable feed issue as a major challenge. Sustainable Fisheries Partnership recommends greater visibility for the entire supply chain and more industrywide policies.
Periphyton domestication offers feed in shrimp culture
Fixed microbial communities grown as periphyton on immersed substrates present advantages in terms of pond productivity and carbon and nutrient absorption from water. Periphyton can reduce feed inputs as well as increase growth and survival rates in shrimp.
Lipid, fatty acid requirements of tilapia
Dietary lipids are important sources of energy and the essential fatty acids needed by fish for growth and development.
Feeds affect lipid body composition, quality
The substitution of plant proteins and oils for fishmeal and fish oil can result in minimal changes to proximate compositions in various fish. However, the muscle fatty acid composition usually reflects that of the diet.
Tailoring feed to farm conditions
In a study, the authors evaluated the stability of six commercial feeds under temperature and salinity conditions that occur at most shrimp farms in Brazil.
Innovative feed additives improve feed utilization in Nile tilapia
Through two lab trials, the authors examined the potential of feed additives to increase growth and feed utilization in Nile tilapia.
Finishing feeds tailor fatty acid composition in tilapia fillets
By feeding different oils at different points in a fish's life cycle, such as finishing feeds, farmers can tailor the composition of fillets to maximize value and minimize fish oil use.