by Dr Alex Makol, Dr Anja Keiner and Dr Andreas Mueller,
Delacon, Austria
As a direct consequence of the stagnation of capture fisheries and globally increasing fish consumption, aquaculture represents one of the fastest-growing sectors in food production.
However, the limitation of marine raw materials in aquaculture diets and their replacement by more sustainable protein and lipid sources of terrestrial origin, in some cases, is associated with negative consequences on the metabolism and immune system of aquaculture species and may slow down the development of the sector.
As a direct consequence of the stagnation of capture fisheries and globally increasing fish consumption, aquaculture represents one of the fastest-growing sectors in food production.
However, the limitation of marine raw materials in aquaculture diets and their replacement by more sustainable protein and lipid sources of terrestrial origin, in some cases, is associated with negative consequences on the metabolism and immune system of aquaculture species and may slow down the development of the sector.
The global trend to ban antibiotic growth promoters, for fear of the development of resistant bacterial strains, and to protect consumers' health, has driven the sector to invest into research in natural alternatives instead.
Plant substances on the rise
Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs), commonly defined as plant-based feed additives or botanicals, represent a group of natural substances used in animal nutrition. These substances are derived from herbs, spices, other plants and their extracts consisting of highly active plant substances and encompass much more than essential oils: they include spicy or bitter substances, saponins, flavonoids, mucilages or tannins.
During the last two decades, research on phytogenics as potential functional ingredients has increased, and with it, their commercial use in the animal production sector. However, a deeper understanding of the mode of action of the bioactive compounds of phytogenics in fish and shellfish is key to improve their use in aquaculture.
Some of the bioactive phytogenic compounds have been proven to stimulate digestive enzymes production, support liver function, modulate gut microbiota imbalances, and have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fortunately, during the last years, scientists and companies have done a lot of research to elucidate, how specific phytogenics may improve nutrient uptake and/or disease and stress resistance in fish and shellfish as an important basis for optimal sector expansion.
The understanding of the mode of action of newly formulated complex phytogenic mixtures (blends) will help the aquaculture sector to use available phytogenics properly, to explore synergies and antagonisms among bioactive compounds and to clarify interactions with other feed ingredients. These facts will additionally help the aquaculture sector to improve its production performance.
Read more, HERE.
The Aquaculturists
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