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Society is becoming more demanding with aquaculture's environmental footprint and animal wellbeing. In order to potentially mitigate these concerns, feed formulations could be based on eco-efficient (circular economy-driven) or organic ingredients. This study aimed to investigate the growth performance, feed utilization, and health status of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) when fed with such feeds. The growth trial lasted for 8 weeks, and fish had an initial weight of 31.0 ± 0.5 g (mean ± SD). Fish were fed until visual satiation, in quadruplicate, with one of three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental feeds: a commercial-like feed without fishmeal (PD), a diet based on ingredients compatible with organic certification (ORG), or a feed formulated using circular economy-driven subproducts and emergent ingredients (ECO). Fish fed ECO showed a tendency for decreased feed intake, while ORG fish significantly reduced their intake compared to those fed PD. Consequently, fish fed ECO (62.7 ± 5.4 g) exhibited almost half the growth than those fed PD (107.8 ± 6.1 g), while ORG fish almost did not increase their weight (32.7 ± 1.3 g). ECO and ORG diets had a lower digestibility for protein, lipid, and energy when compared to PD. Feed utilization of fish fed ECO or ORG was also lower than those fed PD. From the health-related genes analyzed, only glutathione reductase (gsr) showed statistically significant differences, being more expressed in fish-fed ECO than those fed PD. Thus, even when such novel formulations induced extreme effects on voluntary feed intake, their impact was noted only in fish growth, but not in robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fish meal (FM) is considered the primary protein source in fish feed, but the most expensive ingredient, which ultimately increases feed cost. Application of a substitute for FM in fish feed can lower feed cost, but it commonly leads to reduced palatability and lowered feed consumption of fish. Jack mackerel meal (JMM) has been reported to be an effective attractant and/or stimulant in the olive flounder diet. This study revealed that inclusion of 50% jack mackerel meal (JMM) at the expense of FM in the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) diet replacing 50% FM with duck by-product meal (DBM) lowered feed cost, but improved feed consumption and growth performance and economic return to the farmer. The results of this study will help olive flounder producers to improve their profitability. This experiment was performed to evaluate the inclusion impact of various levels of jack mackerel meal (JMM) in olive flounder (P. olivaceus) feeds substituting 50% FM by duck by-product meal (DBM) on growth, feed availability, and economic efficiency. Seven experimental diets were prepared. The control (Con) diet contained 60% FM. Fifty percent FM in the Con diet was substituted with DBM, and then the graded levels (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) of JMM were added instead of FM, named the DJ0, DJ10, DJ20, DJ30, DJ40, and DJ50 diets, respectively. All feeds were assigned to triplicate fish groups. At the end of 56 days' feeding, fish fed the DJ40 and DJ50 diets exhibited comparable weight gain and specific growth rate to fish fed the Con diet. Higher feed consumption was observed in fish fed the Con, DJ40, and DJ50 diets compared to fish fed the DJ0 and DJ10 diets. Lower feed conversion ratio was observed in fish fed the Con diet compared to fish fed the DJ0, DJ10, DJ20, and DJ30 diets. Furthermore, the DJ50 diet led to the highest economic profit index (EPI). In conclusion, inclusion of 50% JMM in the olive flounder diet replacing 50% FM with DBM seems to be the most recommendable dietary treatment based on growth and feed consumption of olive flounder and EPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main cost in aquaculture production is feed, so management practices and feeding strategies aim to optimize both feed intake and efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of beluga, Huso huso, affected by periodic changes in dietary protein sources and hence identify possible innovative feeding strategies toward more efficient use of dietary protein. This study was designed with two experimental diets, namely fish meal (diet A) and plant protein blend (diet B) (protein 40%, fat 16%), which were used in different food schedules for feeding beluga (initial weight 82.08 ± 4.1 g) during 8 weeks. The experimental treatments included: continuously feeding a fish meal diet (A); continuously feeding a plant protein diet (B); alternating between diet A in the morning and diet B in the afternoon (A am/B pm); alternating between diet B in the morning and diet A in the afternoon (B am/A pm); and alternating between diet A for one day and diet B for one day (1A/1B). At the end of the eight‐week trial, superior growth performance and feed utilization were respectively observed in fish receiving A, Bam/Apm, and Aam/Bpm diets compared with the remaining treatments. The specific activity of trypsin and chymotrypsin was significantly high in fish fed Aam/Bpm and Bam/Apm. Feeding the fish‐meal‐based diet (A) continuously, led to decreased protein and increased fat deposition in the carcass. Among the mixed feeding schedules, the highest cost‐saving was recorded with the Aam/Bpm and Bam/Apm schedules. Based on economic analysis, applying Aam/Bpm and Bam/Apm schedules led to the reduced cost of beluga production compared with the other treatments. Therefore, the optimal feeding schedules for beluga are Aam/Bpm and Bam/Apm, which should be used as a practical feeding guideline for H. huso production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture contributes to the sustainable development of food security, marine resource conservation, and economy. Shifting aquaculture feed from fish meal and oil to terrestrial plant derivatives may result in cost savings. However, many carnivorous fish cannot be sustained on plant-derived materials, necessitating the need for the identification of important factors for farmed fish growth and the identification of whether components derived from terrestrial plants can be used in feed. Herein, we focused on the carnivorous fish leopard coral grouper (P. leopardus) to identify the essential growth factors and clarify their intake timing from feeds. Furthermore, we evaluated the functionality of starch, which are easily produced by terrestrial plants. Results reveal that carbohydrates, which are not considered essential for carnivorous fish, can be introduced as a major part of an artificial diet. The development of artificial feed using starch offers the possibility of increasing the growth of carnivorous fish in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has focused on alternative plant materials or additives that can be used instead of fish meal due to limited stocks and increased feed prices, although it is important for carnivorous fish species. Taurine is a functional amino acid supplemented to low fish meal diets to improve the growth performance of fish. In this study, eight experimental diets with 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% ratios of taurine supplemented (T0, T0.5, T1 and T2) high (HFM) and low fish meal (LFM) diets were prepared (defined as HFMT0, HFMT0.5, HFMT1, HFMT2, LFMT0, LFMT0.5, LFMT1 and LFMT2). The experiment was carried out in twenty-four 400 L rectangular fiberglass tanks conducted in a marine water system, and fish (initial mean weight of 23.5 g) were stocked in each tank. The nutrition trial was carried out for 90 days with three replicates. Meagre fed with the HFMT1 diet had a higher final mean weight (FMW) and specific growth rate (SGR) than fish fed with HFMT0 and all LFM diets. Including taurine in all LFM diets also enhanced growth performance. The FMW and SGR of fish fed the LFMT0.5 diet were similar when compared to HFMT0 (P>0.05) and increased compared to that of other LFM diets with taurine (P<0.05). Meagre fed the LFM0.5 diet had a lower feed conversion rate (FCR) than those provided for all HFM diets, although there was no significant difference between treatments. Dietary taurine has decreased the hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI) and total ammonia-nitrogen excretion (TAN), irrespective of taurine and fish meal levels. Including dietary taurine at both fish meal levels enhances the number of red blood cells (RBC) and whole-body amino acids of meagre. The most remarkable conclusion of this study is the inclusion of taurine in low fish meal diets improved growth performance and profitability in meagre, and the level of 0.5% has been recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: Protein ingredients play a significant role in pet food and have been brought into focus by pet owners, which drives up the annual cost of protein sources for the pet food industry. Protein resources are a crucial part of human food. However, there is a global shortage of protein-rich food, particularly animal protein. Researching the nutritional value and metabolic properties of various protein sources is essential for the pet food industry to make environmentally sustainable pet food. Using the beagles as the model animal and the difference method, we evaluated the energy value of six protein ingredients, including fish meal, meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, mealworm meal, and yeast extract, and compared the effects on biological potency. There is a correlation between the chemical composition and the effective energy of protein ingredients. This study also provided recommended predictive energy equations for protein ingredients in dog food. This study evaluated the nutrition composition, the nutrient digestibility, and the energy value of six protein ingredients used in pet food by the difference method in six beagles within a 7 × 6 incomplete Latin square design. The results showed that the apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy (GE) and organic matter (OM) in beagles fed the fish meal (FM) and corn gluten meal (CGM) diets was higher than for those fed the meat and bone meal (MBM), soybean meal (SBM), mealworm meal (MM), and yeast extract (YE) diets (p < 0.05). The digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy (NE) of the MM diet were greater than the other diets, and MBM was the lowest (p < 0.05). The ME of protein ingredients was positively correlated with organic matter and negatively correlated with the ash content. The NE of protein ingredients was positively correlated with the crude protein content and negatively correlated with the ash content. The study resulted in predictive energy equations for protein ingredients that were more accurate than the NRC's predictive equation of ME when the ash content of the ingredient was more than 30% DM. In conclusion, the nutrient digestibility and energy value of corn gluten meal were similar to those of fish meal and those of soybean meal were similar to yeast extract. All predictive energy equations for six protein feedstuffs had slight differences with measured energy values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fish meal is commonly used as the main protein source in fish feeds, but its high price has restricted the use of fish meal. Thus, looking for a substitute with an inexpensive and sustainable source for fish meal in fish feeds is highly needed. Nevertheless, replacement of fish meal with an alternative source in fish feeds commonly reduces the palatability of diets, leads to reduced feed intake, and lowers growth performance. Our previous study reported that up to 20% of fish meal could be substitutable with chicken by-product meal in the feed of rockfish without deteriorating their growth and feed intake. This study evaluates the impact on growth and feed availability from including jack mackerel meal in rockfish diets which otherwise replace 20% fish meal with chicken by-product meal. With fish fed a 55% fish-meal-based diet, the inclusion of 60 and 80% jack mackerel meal in low-fish-meal diets achieved superior weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed consumption. Furthermore, compared to an 80% inclusion level, the slightly but not significantly higher economic profit index was obtained in rockfish fed the low-fish-meal diet with 60% jack mackerel meal in diets. Therefore, the manipulation of jack mackerel meal as feed enhancer in the low-fish-meal diet, which otherwise replaces 20% fish meal with chicken by-product meal, could improve the growth performance and feed consumption of rockfish. This study was conducted to elucidate the impact on the growth and feed availability of rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) from including jack mackerel meal (JMM) in feeds which otherwise substitute 20% fish meal (FM) with chicken by-product meal (CBM). Six formulated feeds were designed to be isonitrogenous and isolipidic. Specifically, 55% FM was included in the control (Con) diet. In the Con diet, 20% FM was substituted by CBM, and then the graded levels (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80%) of JMM were included instead of FM, named as the C20J0, C20J20, C20J40, C20J60, and C20J80 diets, respectively. Five hundred and forty juvenile rockfish (initial weight of 11.2 g) were assigned to 18 tanks. All experimental feeds were fed to triplicate groups of rockfish twice daily for 8 weeks. Superior weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed intake of rockfish fed the C20J60 and C20J80 diets compared to rockfish fed the Con and C20J0 diets were observed. However, the feed utilization, biological indices, proximate composition, amino acid profiles, and blood chemistry of the rockfish were not affected by the dietary treatments. The slightly but not significantly higher economic profit index and growth performance were obtained in the C20J60 diet compared to the C20J80 diet. In conclusion, the C20J60 diet was the most recommendable treatment based on the improvement in growth performance (weight gain and SGR) and feed intake of rockfish, and the highest economic return to farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental approach was designed for analyzing the nutritional evaluation of formulated feed by replacing conventional fish meal used in fish diet with Padina gymnospora supplementation under laboratory feeding conditions for 45 days on growth indices in brackishwater euryhaline fish, Etroplus suratensis. Proximate composition of control and experimental algal formulated feed was assessed. An increase was observed in the body weight and growth indices of the experimental fishes fed with supplemented algal diets. The analysis determined better growth performance index in those fishes fed on a the formulated diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hunger affected 278 million people in Africa in 2021, and in Kenya, the proportion of the population unable to afford a healthy diet is 81%. To combat hunger and increase resilience throughout the food system, spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) has been shown to have remarkable properties. The main aim of this study is to investigate whether protein from spirulina is a suitable alternative to protein sourced from fish meal in fish feed for juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). In a trial investigating the use of spirulina biomass for fish feed on juvenile Nile tilapia, it has been proven that tilapia fingerlings fed diets with spirulina, replacing up to 30% of fish meal protein, were not affected in terms of growth performance compared to the fish fed the commercial diet. This shows that, nutritionally, protein from spirulina can replace fish meal protein fed to juvenile Nile tilapia. This offers promising opportunities for enhanced food and nutrition security. If produced affordably, spirulina can have a significant impact on the income level of low-income fish farmers in Kenya, who often spend more than 50% of their income on commercial fish feed. Affordability can be made possible if small-scale farmers can produce spirulina using animal manure that is available on the farm instead of using highly priced commercial fertilizer. The additional environmental benefits of spirulina include carbon dioxide sequestration and the removal of nitrogenous and phosphorous waste from the wastewater. Spirulina can therefore increase the sustainability of a whole food system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fish meal is widely used as a feed ingredient in formulated feeds for marine fish species due to its high nutritional value and palatability. However, the increasing cost and limited availability of fish meal highlight the high need to look for an alternative protein source for fish meal in fish feeds to achieve sustainable aquaculture. Tuna by-product meal, derived from the tuna canning process, shows promise as a viable substitute for fish meal in fish feeds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of replacing fish meal with tuna by-product meal on the growth of red sea bream. The findings of this study suggested that 40% fish meal replacement with tuna by-product meal is viable without compromising growth, feed consumption, and feed utilization, while simultaneously providing the highest economic return for fish farmers. The effect of substituting fish meal (FM) by tuna by-product meal (TBM) on growth and feed availability of red sea bream (Pagrus major) was investigated. Six experimental diets were crested to be isonitrogenous (51.5%) and isolipidic (14.5%). The control (Con) diet contained 55% FM. FM substitution in the Con diet was made in increments of 20 percentage points (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%), named as the TBM20, TBM40, TBM60, TBM80, and TBM100 diets, respectively. Juvenile red sea bream were stocked into 18, 300 L flow-through tanks (50 fish/tank). Red sea bream were hand-fed with each diet until satiation for 8 weeks. No statistical differences in weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed consumption were found among red sea bream fed the Con, TBM20, and TBM40 diets. Furthermore, feed utilization of fish fed the TBM20, TBM40, TBM60, and TBM80 diets was comparable to red sea bream fed the Con diet. The biological indices, biochemical composition, and hematological parameters of fish were not statistically altered by dietary FM replacement with TBM. The greatest economic profit index was achieved in the TBM40 diet. In conclusion, the replacement of 40% FM with TBM in red sea bream diet appears to be the most recommendable approach without producing retarded growth and feed availability, but maximizing EPI to farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish meal is commonly used as a protein source in fish feeds due to its high protein content. However, the supply of fish meal is becoming uncertain due to decreased stocks caused by climate change and overexploitation. Consequently, researchers are exploring less expensive alternatives to replace fish meal in fish feeds. This experiment aimed to determine the effects of replacing fish meal with a combination of soybean meal (SBM) and fermented fish (FF) in the diet on the growth performance and feed utilization of juvenile Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer Bloch, 1790). Six isonitrogenous (40%) and isolipidic (5%) experimental diets were formulated. Fish meal was replaced with 0% and 10% of SBM in diet 1 (D1) and diet 2 (D2), respectively. In the other four diets, FM was replaced by gradual levels of SBM and FF as follows (%SBM/%FF): 20/10, 20/20, 30/10, and 30/20 (designated as diet 3-diet 6; D3-D6). A commercial feed was used as a comparative diet (D7). Fish, with an initial weight of 3.32-3.33 g, were fed twice daily until satiation for 90 days. The final body weight (FBW), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed intake (FI) of fish fed D1 were significantly difference (p<0.05) but did not significantly differ from those of fish fed D2 and D3. Similarly, the FBW, SGR, and FI of fish fed D3 were not significantly different from those of fish fed D7. In conclusion, fish meal can be replaced by a combination of 20% SBM and 10% FF in the diet for juvenile Asian seabass without any adverse effects on growth performance, body indices and feed utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquaculture industry is looking for sustainable alternatives to conventional fish meals in fish feed, and insect-based meals are proving to be a promising solution. These meals are nutritionally optimal as they have a high protein content and an ideal amino acid profile. However, the presence of chitin, a component of the insect exoskeleton in these meals presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Chitosan, a derivative of chitin, is known to improve the physiological functions of fish, including growth, immunity, and disease resistance. While chitin and its derivative chitosan offer several physiological benefits, their presence can affect the digestibility of feed in some fish species, making the inclusion of insect-based meals in aquafeeds complex. While studies suggest positive effects, some problems, such as reduced growth rates in certain species, emphasize the need for further research on chitin digestion in fish. Chitinase, an enzyme that breaks down chitin, is being investigated as a potential solution to improve the nutritional value of insect meals in aquafeed. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the applications, benefits, and challenges of using chitinase in aquaculture, highlighting the enzyme's role in improving feed digestibility, disease control, and environmental sustainability. Extensive research is required to fully understand the potential of chitinase enzymes in aquaculture and to optimize their applications in this dynamic field. Overall, this review provides insight into the evolving landscape of insect-based meals and the applications of chitinase enzymes within sustainable aquaculture practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquaculture industry's insatiable demand for fishmeal has led to a price surge, prompting the search for a sustainable alternative protein source. Enter Azolla meal, a plant protein that could be a viable substitute for fishmeal. This cost-effective supplemental feed could be a game-changer for small-scale producers looking to expand their aquaculture production. Numerous experiments have been conducted on replacing fishmeals with Azolla meals in fish diets, and the results have sparked further research. This review delves into Azolla's composition, comparing it to fishmeal in terms of proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It also explores the value of employing Azolla in fish feeds and the various methods to mitigate its adverse effects through feed additives during the feed formulation. This review discusses the essential effects of Azolla meal on the growth of various fish species, including tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), catfish (Clarias batrachus), thai silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), rohu (Labeo rohita), and catla (Catla catla) and mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus). Azolla's potential extends beyond its use as a fish feed ingredient. It could also be utilized for bioremediation to remediate hazardous chemicals in water resulting from aquaculture, industrial, and household waste. Further research is needed to optimize the use of Azolla meal in fish feed and to develop cost-effective production methods. This review is a valuable resource for farmers looking to maximize profit when using Azolla in aquafeed and potentially sustainably enhance aquaculture production. With its promising potential, the Azolla meal could be the key to meeting the growing demand for fishmeals while reducing the industry's environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing human population and improved living standards in developing countries have led to a higher demand for animal proteins, which has resulted in increased costs of animal feed ingredients such as fish meal, fish oil, soybean meal, and cereals. The global economic slowdown, has further compounded this challenge, making it crucial for the animal production industry to find innovative methods to secure future social, environmental and economic needs. Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae have emerged as a promising nutrient alternative due to their high protein and fat contents and a rich source of vitamins and minerals comparable to soybean and fish meal. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has the potential to reduce the cost of chicken feed formulations by partially replacing soybean and/or fish meals. This is one of the primary reasons why insects like BSF are seen as viable alternative protein sources for animal feeds. This review attempts to assess the challenges faced by the poultry industry and strategies to overcome feeding issues through the use of BSFL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in the world's demand for fish is increasingly met by aquaculture. However, this sector still shows various criticalities in terms of sustainability of practices, first and foremost, that of feed availability. Nowadays, the use of insect meal represents one of the potential sustainable solutions, but consumption intention of fish fed with insect meal and the factors affecting it have not yet been adequately understood. This study investigates 318 Italian consumers' intentions to buy fish fed with insect meal using an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behavior, including consumers' moral attitude and sustainability consciousness as additional constructs. The results of structural equation models show that consumers' high sustainability consciousness (6.16 on a scale from 1 to 7) does not influence their consumption intention of this product. Also, the two moderating variables involved in the model, i.e., the country of origin and price sensitivity, do not significantly affect consumers' intentions. Since the analysis demonstrates that, for consumers, insect meal-fed fish conforms to their moral principles and a significant positive attitude toward this practice it could be argued that fish fed with insect meal can match the demand from consumers who feel responsible for their consumer behavior. Although the limited area of investigations and the high education of interviewed do not allow for generalizing of the results, this paper provides pivotal food for thought for companies, policymakers, and academics responding to previous research calls on understanding the role of some constructs of consumption intention and highlighting the levers on which to act to foster the consumption intention of insect-fed fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dietary effects of replacing fish meal with enzymatic cottonseed protein (ECP) on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant, and intestinal health of Chinese soft-shelled turtles have not been explored. An eight-week feeding trial was conducted with a quadruplicated group of turtles (3.44 ± 0.01 g) that were randomly assigned to 16 cages (0.6 m × 0.6 m × 0.6 m) with 30 turtles that were stocked in each cage. Four dietary groups were fed with diets supplemented with 0, 2%, 4%, and 6% (ECP0 group (control group), ECP2 group, ECP4 group, ECP6 group) of enzymatic cottonseed protein replacing fishmeal. The present study illustrated that the final weight and WG in the ECP2 and ECP4 groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. The ECP2, ECP4, and ECP6 groups significantly reduced the feed coefficient (P < 0.05) and significantly increased the SGR (P < 0.05). The serum TP and ALB of the ECP4 group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The ECP2, ECP4, and ECP6 groups significantly increased the activity of intestinal pepsin (P < 0.05), and the activity of intestinal lipase of the EPC4 group was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The intestinal villus height of the EPC4 group and EPC6 group, the villus width of the EPC2 group and EPC4 group, and the intestinal muscle thickness of the EPC4 group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). At the same time, replacing fishmeal with enzymatic cottonseed protein also affected the intestinal inflammation-related genes compared with the control group. Besides that, the expression of the IL-10 gene in the experimental group was significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the expression of TNF-α and IL-8 genes in the ECP2 group and TNF-α and IL-1β genes in the ECP4 group was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). In summary, replacing fish meal with enzymatic cottonseed protein positively affects the growth, immunity, and intestinal health of Chinese soft-shelled turtles. The appropriate proportion of enzymatic cottonseed protein to replace fish meal in turtle feed is 4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Soybean meal is currently one of the most widely used ingredients in aquafeed due to its consistent supply, reasonable price, and well-balanced amino acid profile. However, anti-nutritional factors such as antigen proteins and soybean agglutinin in soybean meal can also cause intestinal barrier injury and inflammatory reactions in fish, harming fish growth, immunity, and intestinal health. Intestinal health is especially important for carnivorous fish such as rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), which have a relatively small intestinal length index. In this study, it was confirmed that dietary NaB levels of 0.20% improved the growth of juvenile O. mykiss and reduced the severity of anti-nutritional factor-induced enteropathy by enhancing digestive enzymes and improving intestinal morphology. Dietary NaB enhanced the mRNA expression of TJ proteins while decreasing the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB, and MLCK-MLC, likely reinforcing the intestinal mucosal barrier and protecting against pathogenic bacterial infections. In addition, the gut microbial composition was more conducive to O. mykiss health with the inclusion of 0.20% NaB in the diet. Furthermore, when challenged with Aeromonas salmonicida, dietary 0.20% NaB increased the survival rate of O. mykiss. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of feed additives for use in low-fish meal feeds. This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary sodium butyrate (NaB) on the growth and gut health of triploid Oncorhynchus mykiss juveniles (8.86 ± 0.36 g) fed a low fish meal diet for 8 weeks, including the inflammatory response, histomorphology, and the composition and functional prediction of microbiota. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic practical diets (15.00% fish meal and 21.60% soybean meal) were supplemented with 0.00% (G1), 0.10% (G2), 0.20% (G3), 0.30% (G4), and 0.40% NaB (G5), respectively. After the feeding trial, the mortality for G3 challenged with Aeromonas salmonicida for 7 days was lower than that for G1 and G5. The optimal NaB requirement for triploid O. mykiss based on weight gain rate (WGR) and the specific growth rate (SGR) was estimated to be 0.22% and 0.20%, respectively. The activities of intestinal digestive enzymes increased in fish fed a NaB diet compared to G1 (p < 0.05). G1 also showed obvious signs of inflammation, but this inflammation was significantly alleviated with dietary NaB supplementation. In comparison, G3 exhibited a more complete intestinal mucosal morphology. Dietary 0.20% NaB may play an anti-inflammatory role by inhibiting the NF-κB-P65 inflammatory signaling pathway. Additionally, the relative abundance of probiotics was altered by dietary NaB. In conclusion, dietary 0.20% NaB improved the intestinal health of triploid O. mykiss fed a low fish meal diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishmeal is widely accepted as a protein source in fish feed formulation, making it a highly demanded ingredient, and this has probably contributed to its increased cost. Cheaper protein sources of plant and animal origin have been tested as potential replacements for fishmeal to reduce feed costs in fish production and guarantee a suitable nutrient supply for adequate growth. Therefore, this review assessed the effect of replacing fishmeal in the diet of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus based on empirical findings. Using a systematic literature review protocol, an extensive search of five databases resulted in the final inclusion of 32 articles for appraisal and meta-analysis. Fishmeal replacements were at levels ranging from 7–100%, while fish survival rate and feed conversion ratio recorded non-significant effects of fishmeal replacement (p > 0.05). However, final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio revealed a significant effect of fishmeal replacement (p < 0.05) in the diet of African catfish. Our overall analyses suggest that feed ingredients such as microalgae and insects/ worms are potentially perfect replacements for fishmeal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black soldier fly larva meal (BSFM) application as an innovative feed material has been developed in aquaculture nutrition. However, recent scientific literature is still lacking in the case of insect meal effects on different stages of salmonid fish, and the vast majority of research is focused on farmed Atlantic salmon. Therefore, the holistic approach was undertaken in the cycle of two studies carried out: on fries and pre-smolts. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fish meal (FM) replacement by full-fat BSFM in Atlantic salmon fry diets on the growth performance, feed utilization, crude protein and crude fat digestibility, somatic indices, histomorphology of intestines, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, pellet quality was assessed. Two experiments were performed on 360 Atlantic salmon fries – each of which lasted 60 days. For the first experiment, 240 individuals were distributed to four experimental groups: six replicates (tanks) per group and 10 fish per tank. For the second experiment, 120 individuals were distributed to four experimental groups: three replicates (tanks) per group and 10 fish per tank were used. The following groups were applied: CON – without the addition of full-fat BSFM and with 39% FM; BSFM5 – with 5% addition of full-fat BSFM and 36.1% FM; BSFM10 – with 10% full-fat BSFM and 33.3% FM; BSFM15 – with 15% addition of full-fat BSFM and 30.3% FM. The present study showed satisfactory results of BSFM inclusion at the levels of 5% and 10% as a replacement for fish meal in feeds for Atlantic salmon fries. No negative effects on growth performance, feed utilization, protein and fat digestibility, or intestinal structure were recorded. Simultaneously, insect meal inclusion in Atlantic salmon diets significantly improved the environmental sustainability of the feed. In the case of BSFM15, decreases in body weight gain, protein lipid efficiency ratio, and lipid efficiency ratio, as well as increases in feed conversion ratio, were observed. Therefore, the use of shares higher than 10% of BSFM in Atlantic salmon fries may not be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable domestic aquaculture development is a critical component to achieving greater U.S. seafood security in the future, yet detrimental allegations have corrupted public support. A variety of longstanding and inaccurate myths and assumptions directed at offshore aquaculture farming and its regulation have been foisted on the public. This paper refutes the most prevalent critiques by reviewing current policies, regulations, research and industry production practices. These criticisms include: inadequate regulatory oversight; portrayal of farms as being high density factories unconcerned by food waste, untreated discharge, use of antibiotic and antifungal treatments; entanglement of marine mammals; impacts on wild stocks and habitats; use of feed additives to pigment fish flesh; unsustainable use of fish meal in feed formulations; potential market disruption by producing cheap, low quality products; and commercial farms and commercial fishers cannot coexist as for-profit businesses. Marine aquaculture is not risk-free in terms of potential environmental, economic, social, and cultural impacts and challenges remain to achieve a sustainable industry. These challenges are well known and addressable by the U.S. and global research community. Current offshore farming realities bode well for the future: 1) there is a clear global imperative to sustainably produce more seafood to meet growing demand and the U.S. has the marine resources to become a major exporter, if U.S. law can be amended to grant offshore farmers a property right or security of tenure for sites in federal waters; 2) U.S. ocean farmers work within a very complex and effective legal, regulatory, science-driven environment to anticipate and mitigate potential impacts; 3) farm level management decisions and federal and state regulatory frameworks have worked together to bring about environmentally friendly siting, operational, and production outcomes, and 4) the farming community and its advocates in government, universities, and industry recognize it is essential to reach out to decision-makers and the interested public, as well as critics, with the latest research and empirical results to present an accurate picture of risks and rewards to development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The livestock industry as an important component of general agriculture is a key contributor to economic growth and development of any nation. In addition to having the capacity for earning revenue for the governments, it provides employment, food, farm energy, manure, fuel and transport. Currently, important protein ingredients for animal feed are fish meal, processed animal proteins and soybean meal. However, in the European Union the use of processed animal proteins in animal feed is prohibited due to the TSE legislation, globally land availability for soya cultivation is limited, while marine overexploitation has reduced the abundance of small pelagic forage fish from which fish meal and fish oil is derived. The growing scarcity of resources to produce these increasingly demanded ingredients has doubled prices during the last five years, while it already represents 60-70% of production costs. So, alternative (animal) protein sources for livestock and aquaculture are urgently needed. Insects are such an alternative animal protein source, which can sustainably reared on organic side streams. Reasons are that they have a favorable feed conversion efficiency, likely because they are cold-blooded. Insects contain between 30% and 70% protein on a dry matter basis. The protein content of the insect species is within the soybean/fish meal range and fat content is higher especially compared to (defatted) soybean meal. This review, however highlighted the environmental, health, livelihood and social benefits of insects. Recent efforts in feeding livestock, challenges limiting the use of insects as feed ingredients and moreover, the strategies for commercial production of insects as feed ingredients just to mention a few of the potentials of using insects for feeding livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry industry is one of the most important/vibrant sectors in the livestock industry. Feed economics is highly important in the production of poultry, especially in intensive farming. Protein intake is the key factor for the sustainable production process and growth rates. Mainly soybean and fish meal is used to fulfill the protein requirements in poultry feed, however, currently, soybean meal and other conventional protein ingredients are facing the problem of shortage supply resultantly increasing in prices. So, there is an urgent need to explore other alternatives and cheaper protein sources. In the past 20 years, amongst different alternative protein sources, private companies and research institutes have focused on the use of algae, insects, and other invertebrates in poultry diets whereas particular attention needs to be paid to the dietary use of earthworms as it is a good and palatable source of protein. Earthworms can be successfully used as an alternative protein source for poultry and aquaculture as an environmentally friendly protein feed ingredient. In this review, we summarize the suitability, productivity, and effectiveness of earthworm meals as an alternative protein ingredient in poultry diets The research has investigated the use of earthworm meal in fish and poultry feed and exhibited an increase in body weight, feed conversion ratio, feed intake, and growth rates in broilers as well as an increase in egg production in layers. The research has shown dietary inclusion level of earthworm meal in the fish diet is successfully up to 25-30% whilst its inclusion level in the broiler diet should not go beyond 15%. Supplementation of earthworm meals in broiler and aquaculture diets may trigger production performances without affecting the quality of the final product. The goal of this review is to deliver the recent scenario of research on earthworm meal; to offer a better understanding of its use as a novel feed ingredient for sustainable poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of 10 and 20% replacement of fishmeal (FM dietary group) with the superworm Zophobas morio larvae meal (ZM10 and ZM20 dietary groups) on the growth performance of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa) reared in aquaponics. Ninety juvenile sea bass with an average body weight of 21.55 g/individual were placed in aquaponic fish tanks, together with 24 lettuce plants with an average initial height of 8.90 cm/plant and an average number of leaves of 5.75/plant over a 45-day trial period. At the end of that period, all feeding groups exhibited high survival. In fact, ΖΜ10 and ZM20 groups showed similar fish weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) (p > 0.05), but significantly lower SGR (p < 0.05) than the FM group. Nevertheless, final fish body weight and length were similar (p > 0.05) for all feeding groups. No plant mortality was observed during the 45-day study period. All three aquaponic systems resulted in similar leaf fresh weight, as well as fresh and dry aerial biomass. At the end of the experimental period, plants in the third system showed higher fresh leaf weight, total weight of fresh leaves, total dry aerial biomass, and total produced biomass compared to the other two systems. The results of the present study show that fish fed with the ZM10 diet had higher weight gain (WG) than fish fed with the ZM20 diet, while the SGRs for ZM10 and ZM20 were similar. Both ZM10 and ZM20 diets result in efficient lettuce production. This study also provides data that enlighten the feasibility of integrating insect meals as fish feeds for aquaponics which helps towards the development of an ento-aquaponic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish meal is the primary protein ingredient in fish feed and this material is expensive and non-renewable. However, the use of plant protein in marine fish feed such as soybean meal products are limited due to anti-nutritional factor that hindered fish performances. Therefore, hybrid grouper, a cross between tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) and giant grouper (E. lanceolatus) was evaluated using defatted soybean meal (DSM) based feed and phytase. DSM- based feeds (30% of protein replacement) with supplementation of phytase at 0 and 2000 FTU/kg dosages, as well as a control feed (CON) comprised completely of fish meal (FM) was given to the hybrid grouper with an initial body weight of 6.2±0.0g. Each experimental feed was formulated with 50% of crude protein and 12% of crude lipid. The fish were raised in 100L fiberglass tanks equipped with a flow-through water system for each triplicate treatment. The hybrid grouper was fed with the respective feeds twice a day until the perceived satiation level for 12 weeks. Hybrid grouper fed CON and DSM-based feed did not exhibit any significant difference in growth. However, hybrid grouper fed with DSM-based feed grew larger compared to that fed with CON. Hybrid grouper fed with DSM-based feed showed significantly higher feed intake, lower net protein utilization, hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index, and apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) protein values (p<0.05). The value of ADC of phosphorus was slightly higher in DSM-based feed supplemented with phytase at a dosage of 2000 FTU/kg. No significant effect was observed on body proximate composition, morphological condition of the intestine, and ADC of lipids in all the treatments. The results show that hybrid grouper can effectively consume 30% DSM-based feed and supplementing phytase did not affect the fish performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Raw ingredients for farm animal feed production are highly contaminated with spoilage microorganisms and foodborne pathogens that affect the quality and sensory aspect, especially fish meal, a major feed ingredient. The contamination of pathogens in fish meal for feed production is remain as an important safety issue where pathogens may spread into food animals and later causes illness in humans when food animals are consumed. Therefore, chemical treatments are usually applied for extending the quality and shelf-life of fish meal. Organic acids are an alternative chemical treatment instead of formaldehyde-based products that can reduce the existing contamination and prevent recontamination of Salmonella in feed supply chain. In present study, SALTEC 514TM, an organic acid-based antimicrobial agent, was applied in fish meal during storage for preventing the risk of microbial contamination and recontamination in fish meal. Our findings here will provide an effective alternative for control of microbial contamination in the feed production industry thereby improving feed and food safety. Animal feed production is an important step of the food animal production chain in a farm-to-table model. The contamination of raw ingredients with foodborne pathogens in feed production remains as an important safety issue where pathogens may spread into food animals to cause illnesses in humans when affected food animals are consumed. In the present study, we aimed to examine the quality and microbial contamination of fish meal and to investigate the effectiveness of the organic acid-based antimicrobial agent SALTEC 514TM against Salmonella to prevent bacterial contamination in fish meal. Fish meal samples (n = 4) collected from feed mills at different locations were analyzed for protein and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) content to assess their nutritional value and freshness, and its microbiological quality. The protein and TVBN content ranged from 53.2 ± 3.1 to 67.5 ± 2.3 g/100 g and 73.8 ± 4.5 to 100.4 ± 11.2 mg/100 g meal, respectively. Total plate count of the fish meal samples ranged from 2.0 ± 0.3 to 4.5 ± 0.5 log units, whereas suspected foodborne bacteria, Escherichia coli and Salmonella, were not detected in all samples. Fish meal samples were artificially contaminated (day 0) and re-challenged (day 30 and 90) with Salmonella Enteritidis (3 log CFU/g) to test for the effectiveness of SALTEC 514TM, an organic acid-based antimicrobial formulation, in preventing Salmonella contamination and recontamination during storage. SALTEC 514TM, when applied at three different doses, was found to reduce the number of Salmonella in monitored samples after one day of storage. A low dose of 0.5 kg/ton SALTEC 514TM prevented Salmonella recontamination from occurring in fish meal samples stored for 37 days. In medium (1.0 kg/ton) and high doses (3.0 kg/ton), applications of SALTEC 514TM prevented the Salmonella recontamination for a maximum storage duration of 97 days. The application of SALTEC 514TM in fish meal and/or other feed ingredients may prove to be a safe alternative to reduce the microbial load, especially of foodborne-related microorganisms, to contribute to feed and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) is considered one of the most promising functional ingredients as an alternative to the use of antibiotics, due to growth and immunity promotion. In the current work, we analyzed a mucosal immune response through challenging skin mucus antibacterial capacity and a systemic immune response through their splenocytes ex vivo with a pathogen-associated molecular pattern. Main skin mucus biomarkers were not modified by the SDPP diet, except for cortisol levels that were drastically reduced, which could be considered beneficial from a physiological perspective. In addition, the SDPP diet significantly reduced the growth of the pathogenic bacteria studied in the skin mucus. Anti- (tgf-β1), and pro-inflammatory (il-1β) cytokines, genes involved in humoral immunity (IgM), and the surface cell marker cd4 (cd4) were up-regulated in primary cell cultures of splenocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide in fish fed the SDPP diet, which indicated that this functional ingredient was able to modulate the systemic immune response. In addition to promoting somatic growth, this study also indicated that SDPP, especially in the current low fish meal diets, seems to be useful and beneficial at the immunological level and mucosal health status, which makes it a good candidate for incorporation into the aquaculture sector. Blood by-products are an untapped source of high-quality ingredients for aquafeeds, containing a broad variety of cytokines, hormones, growth factors, proteins, bioactive peptides, and amino acids. The effects of the spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP), a type of processed animal protein on several immune parameters, were evaluated in sea bream using ex vivo and in vitro assays. In this study, fish were fed with two isoproteic, isolipidic, and isoenergetic diets: control diet (7% fish meal, FM) and SDPP diet (2% FM and 5% SDPP). At the end of the 92-days trial, those fed the SDPP diet were larger in body weight (p < 0.05) without differences in feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). The ex vivo immune stimulation of splenocytes indicated that SDPP had a beneficial effect in promoting systemic immunity, since the surface cell marker (cd4), pro- (il-1β), and anti-inflammatory (tgf-β1) cytokines, and genes involved in humoral immunity (IgM) were up-regulated. The co-culture assays of skin mucus corroborated that SDPP enhanced the antibacterial capacity of mucus against V. anguillarum. In addition, main mucus biomarkers did not show significant differences, except for cortisol levels which were lower in the SDPP diet. The present study indicated that SDPP may be considered a functional ingredient in aquafeeds formulated with low FM levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing scale of plastic pollution causes a devastating impact on the aquatic ecosystem. The people largely depend on animal-based food for their protein requirements. In this study, we analysed 10 different fish meal samples and 20 feed samples used in farming to understand the level of microplastic (MPs) contamination and estimate the amount of MPs ingested by farmed fish, shrimp, and chicken through feed. The abundance of MPs in fish meal samples ranges from 210 ± 98.21 to 1154 ± 235.55 items/kg. The fish meal produced from dried fish is more prone to MPs contamination than that produced from fresh fish. In the case of fish feed, MP abundances range from 50 ± 22.36 to 160 ± 36.57 items/kg in shrimp feeds, 60 ± 26.74 to 230 ± 52.32 items/kg in fish feeds and 90 ± 25.11 to 330 ± 36.12 items/kg in chicken feeds. The exposure rate of MPs is higher in the grower- and finisher-stage feeds than in the starter feed. Fiber-shaped MPs of size 100–500 μm with PE and PP polymers were predominantly found in fish meal and feed samples. EDAX analysis showed the presence of Cr, Cd, Ti, Ni, Cu, As, Al, Pb, Hg, Cd, Ti, Fe, Ca, K, and Si in fish meal samples and Ca, Na, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cl, Al, Si, S, Pb, Cd, Ti, Cr, Mg and Fe in feed samples. The possible level of exposure of microplastic particles was calculated based on MP contamination in feed, feed consumption rate, and body weight. We estimated an MP exposure level of 531-1434 items/kg feed for farmed shrimp, 234–4480 items/kg feed for fishes, and 3519–434,280 items/kg feed for chicken. This study concludes that fish meal and feed are one of the important exposure routes of MPs to the farmed animals. [Display omitted] • Abundance of MPs in fish meals and farmed animals feed was studied. • MP abundance in fish meal ranges from 210 ± 98.21 to 1154 ± 235.55 items/kg. • MP abundance in animal feed ranges from 50 ± 22.36 to 330 ± 36.12 items/kg. • MP exposure through poultry feed ranges from 3519 to 434,280 items/kg. • Exposure via shrimp feed is 531-1434 and via fish feed is 234-4480 items/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gossypol, a naturally occurring compound found in cottonseed meal, shows promising therapeutic potential for human diseases. However, within the aquaculture industry, it is considered an antinutritional factor. The incorporation of cottonseed meal into fish feed introduces gossypol, which induces intracellular stresses and hinders overall health of farmed fish. The aim of this study is to determine the role of General control nonderepressible 2 (gcn2), a sensor for intracellular stresses in gossypol-induced stress responses in fish. In the present study, we established two gcn2 knockout zebrafish lines. A feeding trial was conducted to assess the growth-inhibitory effect of gossypol in both wild type and gcn2 knockout zebrafish. The results showed that in the absence of gcn2 , zebrafish exhibited increased oxidative stress and apoptosis when exposed to gossypol, resulting in higher mortality rates. In feeding trial, dietary gossypol intensified liver inflammation in gcn2 −/− zebrafish, diminishing their growth and feed conversion. Remarkably, administering the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was effective in reversing the gossypol induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, thereby increasing the gossypol tolerance of gcn2 −/− zebrafish. Exposure to gossypol induces more severe mitochondrial stress in gcn2 −/− zebrafish, thereby inducing metabolic disorders. These results reveal that gcn2 plays a protective role in reducing gossypol-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, attenuating inflammation responses, and enhancing the survivability of zebrafish in gossypol-challenged conditions. Therefore, maintaining appropriate activation of Gcn2 may be beneficial for fish fed diets containing gossypol. • Zebrafish lacking Gcn2 showed a significant increase in mortality when exposed to gossypol. • Gcn2 deficiency exacerbated oxidative stress and apoptosis in response to gossypol exposure. • Zebrafish deficient in Gcn2 exhibited more severe liver inflammation upon dietary gossypol exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mariculture development in Kenya has previously relied on culture of fish in intertidal earthen fish ponds that are fertilized to enhance primary production and use of limited supplementary feeds. Most of the supplementary feeds used have previously been obtained from those of freshwater fish due to lack of marine fish feeds in the country. Cage culture is being introduced to utilize the open space in the sea and hence introduction of more species for farming, that require new feeding strategies that are feasible. Therefore the need to develop marine based fish feed formulations. Taking this into consideration, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute is developing a feed formula that brings ingredients from the coastal environment that are unique: i.e. seaweeds, coconut husks and Artemia for development of a marine feed. Initial assessments of the developed feed indicate that marine Tilapia grows at 1.2 g day-1, Rabbitfish at 1.9 g day-1 and Milkfish at 1.4 g day-1. The formula is being refined and validated over time before being given out for commercial use in the feed industry to enhance production from mariculture. The treatments were carried out in replicate during a culture period of 138 days. Locally formulated and prepared diets containing 30% crude protein were applied. Treatment 2, a fish meal omena (Rastrineobola argentea) based feed showed better growth outcome as compared to treatment 1 (Artemia based feed) in terms of weight gain, specific growth rate (0.93), survival rate (70%) and feed conversion ratio (2.2). Frequent data collection for both water quality and growth parameters is recommended to enable visualize better growth trends and culture conditions. Further research at different stocking densities with larger juveniles (50g weight) that can withstand the cage environment is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) is a potential substitute of fish meal in feeds. However, information on the nutrition and safety of these feeds is inadequate. This study examined the quality of fish feed pellets extruded from blends formulated with and without black soldier fly larval meal (BSFLM). A further aim was to study the influence of extrusion processing types on feed composition. Two iso-proteinous feed blends containing 28% protein were formulated with 0% BSFLM (BSFLM0) and 75% BSFLM (BSFLM75). The feed blends were then cold- or hot-extruded (CE or HE) and the products analyzed for proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acid profiles and microbial content. The BSFLM75_HE pellets contained significantly higher levels of fat (15.6%), leucine (11.5 mg/g), and oleic acid (79.1 µg/g). Hot extrusion concentrated phenylalanine and leucine, increased polyunsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids and decreased total viable counts, coliforms, yeast and molds, endospores and Salmonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While aquaculture of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus is expanding worldwide, fish meal as a major protein source has become limited due to declining supply and environmental concerns. The aims of this research were to evaluate the magnitude of genotype-by-environment interaction (G×E) effect on harvest weight in commercial tilapia populations that were raised with fish meal-based and non-fish meal-based diets, and the impact of complete fish meal replacement on genetic parameters. Heritability estimates for body weight at harvest of Nile tilapia fed with fish meal and non-fish meal diets were based on data obtained from 120 full-sib and 50 half-sib families. A mixed linear animal model was used for data analyses, and variance components were estimated using an average information restricted maximum likelihood procedure. The heritability estimates for harvest weight (h2HW) of Nile tilapia fed with fish meal (0.23±0.03) and non-fish meal (0.22±0.03) diets were moderate. The correlation between family means of the estimated breeding values (EBV) for growth using fish meal and non-fish meal diets was 0.99, which implied no significant evidence for G×E. These genetic parameter estimates indicate good prospects for selective breeding to improve body weight at harvest for both fish groups fed fish meal and non-fish meal diets. Lack of G×E implied that each genotype was affected at a similar magnitude. Therefore, best fish selected for growth with fish meal diet would also perform well with non-fish meal diets. These results imply that changing from fish meal to non-fish meal diets would not affect the genetic improvement program for Nile tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substitutions for fishmeal in fish feed are important in the context of sustainability. However, nutrition has a decisive influence on well‐being. An understanding of the impacts of botanicals on health or microbiomes is crucial when assessing the effect of potential immune modulators in the body of carnivorous fish. The present study examined the effect of a plant‐protein based diet on the expression of selected immune markers in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under handling stress. The amount of fishmeal was reduced to 7% in the predominantly plant‐protein based diet (P), in contrast to a diet based on 35% fishmeal (F). Triplicate groups of rainbow trout were fed for 59 days with experimental diets, and one experimental group of each feed type was stressed by shooing twice a day. The expression of the genes coding for tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL) 1β, immunoglobulin (Ig) T and IgD was profiled in whole blood samples using real‐time RT‐qPCR. Significant expression differences between the F and P diets were observed for IL1β and IgD in nonstressed fish and TNFα, IgT and IgD in stressed fish. No differences were detected between nonstressed and stressed fish fed the same diet. After repetitive stress, gene expression patterns differed between trout fed the F or P diets, as IgT, IgD and TNFα were significantly downregulated in the stressed fish fed the P diet. In conclusion, growth and performance did not differ significantly with diet, although a pathohistological assessment of two intestinal segments revealed a histological response to the P diet‐feed ingredients. The molecular results indicate that fish performance should also be monitored under challenging conditions to fully assess the impact of dietary fishmeal substitutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean meal (SBM) is the most widely used source of high-quality plant protein within the feed industry. Raw soybeans are conventionally processed to reduce antinutritional factors, enhance protein bioavailability and improve the overall quality of the final feed product. New high-oleic (HO) cultivars with enhanced unsaturated fatty acids are being utilized in the production of HO SBM for use in the animal feed industry. However, no studies to date have examined the impact of HO SBM on feed formulation and processing of aquaculture feeds. Therefore, we aimed to determine the quality of feed for juvenile domesticated striped bass (Morone saxatilis) using SBM prepared from HO or normal-oleic (NO) soybeans and extrusion-expeller processing. The following four soybean meals were used in our experimental diets: solvent-extracted defatted normal oleic (SENO), full-fat normal oleic (FFNO), extruded-expelled defatted normal oleic (EENO), or full-fat high oleic (FFHO). These meals replaced half of the fishmeal (FM) normally included in a nutritionally complete marine finfish diet. Physico-chemical feed variables and chemical composition were determined during feed production. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and means were separated using Tukey's t-test. The specific mechanical energy of the diet was reduced with the addition of full-fat SBMs during the extrusion process. All finished fish diets were of similar high quality with high pellet durability index and protein content (P > 0.05). This suggested that using different types SBM, including high oleic, to replace 50 % of the fish meal in a floating feed for juvenile domesticated striped bass does not adversely affect the feed quality or nutritional content. • Dry extrusion of soybeans as full fat meal or as extruded and expelled meal produces the meal between particle size ranges of 1128–1177 µm. • Inclusion of different types of soybean meal in the fish feed formulation had a significant effect on the specific mechanical energy of the extrusion process. • The fat levels in the soybean meals inversely affected the pellet diameter. • Over 90 % of the fish feeds could float in water for 30 minutes and is indicative of the suitability of the soybean meals used in this study for producing floating feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative nutrient sources to fishmeal for fish feed, such as insect meals, represent a promising sustainable supply. However, the consequences for fish digestive function have not been exhaustively investigated. In the present study we evaluated the effect of partial fishmeal substitution with 10% Hermetia illucens (Hi10) larvae meal on the neuromuscular function of proximal and distal intestine in gilthead sea bream. In animals fed with insect meal, weight and growth parameters were similar to controls fed with conventional fishmeal. In addition, no anomalies in intestinal gross morphology and no overt signs of inflammation were observed. The gastrointestinal transit was significantly reduced in Hi10 fed animals. In the proximal and distal intestine longitudinal muscle, Hi10 feeding downregulated the excitatory cholinergic and serotoninergic transmission. Sodium nitroprusside-induced inhibitory relaxations increased in the proximal intestine and decreased in the distal intestine after Hi10 meal. Changes in the excitatory and inhibitory components of peristalsis were associated with adaptive changes in the chemical coding of both proximal and distal intestine myenteric plexus. However, these neuromuscular function alterations were not associated with considerable variations in morphometric growth parameters, suggesting that 10% Hi meal may represent a tolerable alternative protein source for gilthead sea bream diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of Ptecticus tenebrifer and Tenebrio molitor (PTM), as alternative fishmeal, on the growth performance, haematological values, biochemical and immune response and gut microbial diversity of Cyprinus carpio L. were investigated. Two hundred and forty hatchery‐reared juvenile C. carpio were divided among four experimental diet groups, formulated with the insect replacements: Control—30% fishmeal; Treatment 1—20% fishmeal + 10% PTM; Treatment 2—10% fishmeal + 20% PTM; Treatment 3—30% PTM. C. carpio fed 30% PTM had the highest final length and the largest increase in length. The red blood cell count was the highest in 10% PTM (0.92 M/µL) and lowest in the control group (0.23 M/µL). Fusobacteria was the dominant gut bacterial phylum, followed by Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Cetobacterium somerae was the dominant gut bacterial species, and its relative abundance was significant in the 10% and 30% PTM treatments. The relative abundance of Bacteroides massiliensis was the highest in the control group while there was decline in the treatments with PTM. These results suggest that P. tenebrifer and T. molitor as a fishmeal replacement lower the biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand in the culture tanks and increase the length and change the gut microbiome of C. carpio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Single Cell Protein (SCP) production technologies arose as a promising way to solve the problem of protein shortage in worldwide, which mainly used in human foods or animal feeds. For future success, the animal proteins are expensive protein source in fish feeds and there has been considerable interest in replacing all or part of the fish meal in aquaculture feeds with SCPs. Collectively, studies indicated that SCPs were suitable ingredients for farmed fishes. The Lactobacillus fermentum strain used in this study was surprising to note a single strain contains 20 amino acids. In this study the strain used and seemed to be ideal in the above respects. Further research on industrial scale production of SCP using this strain using cheaper sources (or) sewage is warranted. Methods: In this field laboratory investigation during 2015-2016, the soil samples were collected from the Velar estuary, Tamil Nadu. About 25 colonies were selected and inoculated in to MRS broth. The completed preparation was observed under microscope for motility of the bacterium. Different biochemical characteristics test analyzed by using standard protocol. The antimicrobial effects were determined by the agar diffusion method. Finally the biochemical parameters were analyzed by using standard procedure. Result: Our investigation is evident that, the strain very well can be used a probiotic for human and animal nutrition. The isolated strains were found to be non-motile and non-spore farming. Lactobacillus fermentum contains 60-80% of protein, 7-8% of carbohydrate, 2-3% of lipid and 8-9% of nucleic acid contents. The Lactobacillus fermentum strain used in this study showed a high level of inhibitory activity against all the pathogens tested. SCP cannot compete with soya, alfalfa or fish meal. Mushroom production from lignocellulosics seems to be one economical and promising use for SCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean meal is one of the most promising alternatives to replace fishmeal in the aquaculture industry. However, its ingestion triggers an intestinal inflammatory process that compromises fish health and nutrition. Therefore, finding strategies that reduce the deleterious effects of a soy protein-based diet are relevant. In this work we analyzed the effects of an aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller, AV) extract on intestinal inflammation and innate immunity of zebrafish by adding it to the water and by supplementing it in a soybean meal-based diet. To search for potential immunomodulatory effects of AV, we tested its effectiveness in two inflammation assays and compared fish fed with either fishmeal or soybean meal-based feed supplemented with AV. Our results show a strong anti-inflammatory effect of AV. Furthermore, while soy-based meal strongly induces the expression of inflammation markers, supplementation with AV reverted this effect. Finally, we show that fish fed with a soy meal diet are highly susceptible to bacterial infection, but that this condition is significantly reduced when the soy meal is supplemented with AV. Our results suggest that AV is a good candidate to be incorporated as an additive in farmed fish diets to facilitate the replacement of fishmeal by soybean meal, maintaining intestinal health. • Aloe vera added to a soybean meal-based diet prevented the induction of intestinal inflammation caused by this food. • Aloe vera exerts anti-inflammatory effects preventing neutrophil migration and the generation of pro-inflammatory signals. • Aloe vera, incorporated in the diet, exerts an antioxidant effect. • Aloe vera does not exert an immunostimulatory effect, nor added in the diet neither to the medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandarin fish is a typical carnivorous fish, it can accept artificial diet after domestication, which is significantly essential to optimize its artificial diet. Nevertheless, only few studies were conducted on artificial diet of mandarin fish. Therefore, an 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of feeding stimulants on growth performance, feed intake and appetite regulation of mandarin fish. In this trial, six diets were formulated, a basal diet contained 80% of Fish Meal without feeding stimulants, named as Control, 0.4% inosinic acid meal, 0.4% L‐Alanine meal, 3% Yeast meal, 3% a commercial squid extract meal and 0.4% betaine meal were added into the basal diet to make five experimental diets, which were named as IM, AM, YM, SVO and BM respectively. At the end of feeding trial, SVO group showed higher feed intake, up‐regulated mRNA expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and down‐regulated mRNA expression of pro‐opiomelanocorticoid (POMC) significantly as compared to control group, which suggested that squid extract improved feed acceptability and promoted appetite in mandarin fish. Similarly, compared to control group, SVO group showed low food conversion ratio, high weight gain and SGR, indicated that squid extract enhanced the growth performance. Our results suggested that the appropriate level of squid extract addition could contribute to optimize artificial diet in mandarin fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicken eggs can be a significant source of human PFAS exposure. A survey of PFAS in commercial eggs from larger farms across Denmark showed the absence or low contents of PFAS in free-range and barn eggs. However, organic eggs from eight farms collected in September 2022 had a similar profile of nine PFASs with a predominance of odd over even carbon length PFCAs. Farm 11–13 e.g. had egg yolk ng/g concentrations of PFOA 0.07 ± 0.02; PFNA 0.37 ± 0.04; PFDA 0.13 ± 0.00; PFUnDA 0.22 ± 0.04; PFDoDA 0.06 ± 0.02; PFTrDA 0.15 ± 0.04; PFTeDA 0.02 ± 0.02; PFHxS 0.10 ± 0.04; PFOS 2.62 ± 0.11. Normalised to PFOS, the relative sum of other PFAS showed no difference between the eight organic egg samples, but significant differences between mean individual PFASs (p = 1.4E-25), reflecting a similar profile. The PFAS found in two fishmeal samples with the same origin as the fishmeal used for the organic feed production, could account for the contents in the eggs via estimated transfer from the feed. Furthermore, the estimated transfer from concentration in feed to concentration in egg increased with the carbon length of the PFCA. Exposure (95th percentile) of ∑4PFAS (PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFOS) solely from consumption of 311 g ∼ 5–6 organic eggs/week was for children 4–9 years 10.4 ng/kg bw, i.e. a significant exceedance of the tolerable weekly intake of 4.4 ng/kg bw established by the European Food Safety Authority. Based on the PFAS exposures from organic egg consumption, the organic egg producers decided voluntarily to cease adding fishmeal to the feed. Since the feed-to-egg half-lives are ≤1 week for PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS, the removal of fishmeal as a feed ingredient should eliminate PFAS after 1–2 months. This was demonstrated in analyses of ten organic egg samples collected by the authorities without PFAS in eight and with 0.1 and 0.4 ng/g ∑4PFAS in two samples. [Display omitted] • Similar PFAS profiles in organic eggs from large farms across Denmark. • Fishmeal in organic feed with related PFAS profile is a PFAS source in eggs. • Replacing fishmeal in organic feed almost eliminated PFAS in organic eggs. • Fishmeal might be a significant indirect source of human exposure to PFAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although aquaculture industry has made great efforts to reduce the levels of fish meal (FM) in aquaculture feeds, further efforts and investigations are still needed to increase aquaculture production, which has more than tripled in the last two decades. This study was implemented to Six replicate groups of fish (24.6 ± 0.1 g) were fed one of the experimental diets to apparent satiety twice daily for 15 weeks; half of them were subjected to a daily net chasing stress for 1 min in the morning, 1 h before feeding. At the end of the feeding trial, fish were challenged with Edwarselia tarda injection. LFM diet resulted in comparable growth and feed efficiency performance to HFM group. However, significant impairments were observed in apparent digestibility coefficients, condition factor, hematocrit and serum super oxide dismutase activity. Fish fed LFM showed much lower resistance to E. tarda challenge. Both TH and SH resulted in enhanced fish nutritional and health performance with significant improvements in growth performance, feed efficiencies, digestibility, serum non-specific immunity and gut morphometric parameters. Fish fed TH and SH also exhibited the highest survival after E. tarda challenge. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed significant differences between stress and dietary groups for dimension 1 (33.3% of the variability), which was mostly characterized by growth and health variables. SH and TH coordinates were significantly higher on dimension 1 compared to HFM and LFM ones. Daily repeated stress affected most of measured performance parameters of all dietary groups with very few interactions. The stressed fish groups fed TH or SH showed lower cortisol levels compared to those fed HFM and LFM (p < 0.01). Strong correlations were observed between feed efficiency and fish gut morphometrics as quantified by villi length, enterocyte height and goblet cell density. Dietary supplementation of aquatic protein hydrolysates such as TH and SH appeared to be essential for maintaining good fish performance when they were subjected to a daily husbandry stressor or to an infectious challenge. • FM reduction may result in an impaired fish health status despite good growth • APH mitigate stress adverse effects • APH help to reduce FM and antibiotic uses [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishmeal (FM) replacement using cost-effective blends of complementary ingredients is commonly used in carnivorous marine fish diets for economic and sustainable purposes. The use of functional compounds such as prebiotics or functional ingredients is a nutritional strategy in low FM diets to maximize growth and feed utilization, as well as reducing enteropathies caused by plant proteins, in particular soybean meal (SBM) that can induce enteritis in Totoaba macdonaldi juveniles. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of glutamine (Gln) and agavin (AGA) as a novel prebiotic or a combination of both on growth parameters, digestive capacity, whole-body proximate composition, gut health, and sustainable and economic indexes in totoaba juvenile fed low FM (17%) diet for 56 days. Juvenile totoaba with an initial weight of 168 ± 4 g were fed one of four isoproteic and isolipidic diets formulated with poultry by-product meal and FM in a 2:1 ratio and 24% of SBM. For the control basal diet (SBM), no Gln or AGA was added. The other three experimental diets consisted of the basal diet with either 1.5% glutamine (GLN), 1% prebiotic agavin (AGA), or 1.5% glutamine and 1% agavin (Gln + AGA) supplementation. Fish fed the Gln diet significantly improved growth, feed utilization and increased trypsin, total alkaline proteases, and L-aminopeptidase activities. Additionally, an enhanced brush border height (BBH) in the distal intestine was observed in the Gln group, suggesting improved intestinal health compared to the rest of the treatments. However, no significant synergistic effect was observed in fed fish the Gln + AGA diet. Interestingly, no signs of enteritis among the fish fed the four experimental diets was observed. These results suggest that fish with an initial size of 168 g are less susceptible to the adverse effects of SBM compared to previous studies. The inclusion of 1.5% dietary glutamine is recommended in totoaba diets with low FM containing 24% of SBM. Since the fish fed the diet supplemented with glutamine + agavin resulted in intermediate values for the parameters evaluated, it is recommended to evaluate different levels of agavin in combination with glutamine or perform longer bioassays using immunological or environmental challenges to aid in elucidating potential benefits of these functional compounds and their synergistic effects. • Addition of 1.5% glutamine in totoaba diets improved growth, feed utilization, and increased intestinal brush border height. • Combining dietary glutamine with agavin resulted in small synergistic effects and should be further evaluated. • Dietary glutamine increases sustainability by reducing the fishmeal dependency and improving fish intestinal health. • Results suggest totoaba juveniles with larger initial weight are less susceptible to dietary SBM induced adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lee, T.H.; Oh, H.Y.; Kim, K.-D., and Kim, H.S., 2023. Yacon juice residue supplementation in low fish meal diet for black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). In: Lee, J.L.; Lee, H.; Min, B.I.; Chang, J.-I.; Cho, G.T.; Yoon, J.-S., and Lee, J. (eds.), Multidisciplinary Approaches to Coastal and Marine Management. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 116, pp. 538-542. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. This sudy evaluated the effects of Yacon Juice Residue (YJR) on the growth performance, lysozyme and antioxidant enzyme activities, and disease resistance against Streptococcus iniae of juvenile black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) fed a low Fish Meal (FM) diet supplemented with soy and corn protein concentrates. We considered a 60% FM-based diet as a High FM (HF) diet; and a diet in which 30% FM was substituted with a mixture of soy and corn protein concentrates was considered a Low FM (LF) diet. Another six experimental diets, prepared in triplicate, consisted of the LF diet supplemented with YJR at levels of 2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg, and 10 g/kg (designated as LFY2.5, LFY5, and LFY10 diets, respectively). At the end of the 8-week feeding trial, the highest growth performance (final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate) was observed in fish fed with the HF diet. Furthermore, fish fed the LFY5 and LFY10 diets had significantly higher growth performances than fish fed the LF diet. All the dietary treatments had similar feed efficiency. Higher lysozyme activity were observed in fish fed the HF and LFY10 diets compared to fish fed the other diets. Plasma superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of the LF diet were significantly enhanced by dietary YJR supplementation. Disease resistance of fish against S. iniae was significantly improved by dietary YJR. The findings demonstrate that supplementing the diet with YJR can partially mitigate growth retardation associated with a diet high in soy and corn protein concentrates, as well as enhance fish antioxidant capacity and disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of aquaculture and the increasing demand of farmed fish have led to a rise in the price of fishmeal and fish oil used in fish feeding during the last years. The experimental use of insect meal as a sustainable alternative to fish meal has recently grown. Insects are easy to rear, have a small ecological impact and have high protein content. The present work analyzes through a Discrete Choice Experiment method, the preferences and willingness to pay of Spanish consumers towards an aquaculture production system based on this protein source as ingredient in aquafeed, using the gilthead seabream as a case study. It also analyzes the information level of consumers about aquaculture and their perceptions towards its environmental impact compared to other animal production systems. This study also summarizes research advances regarding the insect meals as substitutes or complements for fish meals focusing on fish species of interest in Spain and Europe. Special emphasis was made on the limitation of their use, its impact towards the conversion feed ratio and its main nutritional problems for fish feeding, such as fatty acids and chitin. The studies showed that the use of insect meal, in particular, from the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), the common housefly (Musca domestica) and the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as an alternative of feeding in aquaculture seems to be promising both at technical-productive level and at consumer acceptance level. Results showed that Spanish consumers were willing to pay a premium for this type of fish compared to fish produced with the current feeding systems. Furthermore, the gilthead sea bream fed with insect meal was the most valued regarding its environmental impact compared to the current fish feeding systems. However, taste expectation for this fish type still low, highlighting the importance of including hedonic evaluation studies for further research. • Labelled Discrete Choice experiment was used to analyze feed preference in fish. • Spanish consumers are willing to accept fish fed with insect meal alternative. • Aquaculture is perceived as the most environmental friendly animal production system. • Consumers perceived the fish fed with insect meal with lower environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study was conducted to examine the effects of fish meal (FM) replacement by rice protein concentrate (RPC) supplemented with xylooligosaccharides (XOS) on the growth, intestinal digestive and absorptive capabilities and amino acid metabolism of blunt snout bream. Fish were randomly divided into six groups, and were fed with the control diet (containing 10% FM), the RPC diet (FM entirely replaced by RPC) and the RPC diet supplemented with 0.5, 1.5, 2.3 and 3% XOS, respectively, for 8 weeks. Fish fed the RPC diet obtained significantly lower values in daily growth index, feed efficiency ratio, nitrogen and energy retention and plasma concentrations of methionine, leucine, phenylalanine, lysine and histidine compared to the control. However, the supplement of 1.5% XOS restored these parameters to the levels similar to the control group. Fish fed the RPC diet showed no statistical difference in intestinal lipase, alkaline phosphatase and Na+K+-ATPase activities compared to the control group, but exhibited lower protease, carboxypeptidase A, aminopeptidase N and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activities. However, these effects were reserved with the administration of 1.5% XOS. Also, the transmission electron microscopy analysis showed a significantly lower microvilli length in the mid-intestine of fish fed the RPC diet compared to the control, but it improved significantly with the supplementation of XOS. Hepatic activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase were significantly lower in fish fed the RPC diet compared to the control, but they improved with the supplementation of 1.5% XOS. Similarly, fish fed the RPC diet obtained relatively low expression levels of the target of rapamycin (TOR) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 but higher expressions of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 in the intestine, liver and muscle. Opposite trend was observed in fish fed the RPC diet supplemented with 1.5% XOS. Overall, these results showed that RPC supplemented with 1.5% XOS could completely replace FM in the feed of blunt snout bream without any adverse effect on the growth performance, intestinal enzymes activities, gut morphology, amino acid metabolism and TOR signaling. Highlights • FM replaced by RPC led to a significant reduction in growth, feed utilization and AA metabolism. • The supplementation of 1.5% XOS restored these parameters to the levels similar to the control. • Excessive XOS levels led to compromised growth, feed utilization and AA metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study examined the effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with three different types of soybean meal (SM) including untreated SM, Bacillus pumillus SE5 (BP) fermented SM (BPFSM) and Pseudozyma aphidis ZR1 (PA) fermented SM (PAFSM) in diets for Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus). A basal diet was formulated using FM (FM diet), and six other diets were produced by substituting 40 or 80% of FM with SM, BPFSM or PAFSM (SM40, SM80, BPFSM40, BPFSM80, PAFSM40 and PAFSM80 diets). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish (7.14 ± 0.05 g) twice daily for eight weeks. Replacing 40% of FM with SM sources did not significantly influence growth (P > 0.05), while increasing the substitution level to 80% led to reduced growth rates (P < 0.05). The groups received SM80 and PAFSM80 diets showed significantly higher feed conversion ratio and lower protein digestibility than FM group. Furthermore, notably lower dry matter digestibility was detected in SM80 group. Remarkably lower serum total antioxidant capacity was found in the SM80 group, and catalase activity did not significantly differ between FM and BPFSM40 groups. Serum malondialdehyde concentration was enhanced by increasing FM replacement level and the highest value was observed in the SM80 fed fish. FM and PAFSM40 groups showed significantly higher lysozyme activity than the SM80 group. Fish fed the BPFSM40 diet exhibited the highest complement C3 activity and the lowest value was observed in the SM80 group. Expression of lysozyme gene in spleen was down-regulated in the SM80 group, and no significant difference in expression of C3 gene was found among FM, BPFSM40 and PAFSM40 groups. Digestive enzymes activity and gut morphology were significantly influenced by FM replacement. Expression of HSP70 and pro-inflammatory genes including TNF-α and IL-1β were up-regulated by FM replacement and relatively lower expression levels were found by using fermented SM. An opposite trend was observed for the anti-inflammatory TGF-β gene expression. Serum d -lactate concentration was significantly increased by replacing 80% of FM with any of the SM sources. These findings indicated that using fermented SM, particularly BPFSM, beneficially influences feed utilization, antioxidant capacity, innate immunity and gut health in juvenile Japanese seabass. Highlights • Yeast and bacterial fermented soybean meal were tested in Japanese seabass feed. • Fermentation with Bacillus pumillus SE5 improved digestibility of soybean meal. • Fermented soybean meal enhanced antioxidant capacity and innate immune response. • Fish meal replacement with soybean meal suppressed digestive enzymes activity. • Fermentation of soybean meal ameliorated the damaging effects on gut structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four diets were formulated to include different sources of animal by-products as a protein source in Nile tilapia (5.79 ± 0.05 g) diets. The first group fed diet containing fish meal (T1), while the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups fed a mixture of poultry by-product meal (PBM), animal by-product meal (ABM) and kitchen waste meal (KWM) at 50:25:25 (T2); 25:50:25 (T3) and 25:25:50 (T4) ratio, respectively. All diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isolipidic. After 120 days, apparent digestibility and growth parameters were measured. The obtained results revealed that, the chemical composition of fish meal had the highest value of protein followed by PBM and KWM. Fish meal had higher essential amino acids content, except for the threonine and arginine amino acids, followed by PBM and ABM. The highest apparent digestibility of crude protein and ether extract were recorded in T1 and T2 followed by T4 and T3 groups. T1 and T2 groups exhibited significantly (P<0.05) the highest growth performance over fish fed T3 and T4 diets. It could be suggested that using of waste protein sources especially containing high PBM as a replacement for fish meal to reduce the feed cost per Kg fish Production [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apparent crude protein (ADCCP), crude fat (ADCCF), gross energy (ADCGE) and phosphorus (ADCP) digestibility coefficients of several typical and novel feedstuffs were determined to be utilized in formulated diets of pacu (20.3 ± 5.6 g). The tested feedstuffs included two fish meals, four terrestrial animal by‐products, three plant protein concentrates, six high‐protein plant meals and two low‐protein plant meals. The values of ADCCP varied in different fish meals ranging from 96.17% for Koli fish meal to 95.17% for Sardine fish meal. The values of ADCCP for plant protein concentrates ranged from 92.17% for wheat gluten meal to 93.17% for corn gluten meal. The values of ADCCP ranged from 50.17% for faba bean meal to 73.43% for spirulina meal. The ADCP ranged from 51.77% for low‐protein plant meals to 85.72% for fish meals. A significant (p < 0.05) linear regression (r2 = 0.96) was observed among in vivo ADCCP of five feedstuff classes fed to pacu and in vitro ADCCP. Based on these observations, we conclude that pacu as an omnivorous fish tend to utilize nutrient‐rich ingredients from high‐protein plant meals to fish meals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]