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A 12-week feeding trial with common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was conducted to test the hypothesis that compound diets formulated on the basis of different soybean cultivars will have effects on growth parameters, feed utilization, and digestive system histology. Soybean grains were from the following cultivars: Alisa (SB-A), Balkan (SB-B), and Galeb (SB-G). The fourth tested diet contained grains from a mixture of different SB cultivars (SB-M). The results confirmed the tested hypothesis, as the fish from the group SB-A showed higher average weight gain, specific growth rates, and feed efficiency, as well as lower feed intake and feed conversion ratio, compared to the groups SB-B and SB-M. On the other hand, diets were expected to cause inflammation in the distal intestine of the fish, but this did not occur. Histological examination of the intestine and liver, performed at the end of weeks 1, 3, 6 and 12, showed no pathological changes. Most of the differences between the groups were found at the end of the trial. The group SB-A had a higher surface area of different intestinal layers compared to the groups SB-B and SB-G. The surface area of the goblet cells was greatest at most of the time points in SB-M. In the liver, the evaluation of the surface area of hepatocytes and their nuclei showed no significant differences between the groups. The differences in final body mass, which showed a maximum value of 18% between the groups, could be of significant importance for culture of this freshwater species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study assessed the growth and fish performance of juvenile red sea bream fed four isonitrogenous (46–48%) and isolipidic (15%) diets containing 45% fishmeal (control) and 15%, 30%, and 45% defatted black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens meal for 67 days. Subsequent analyses showed that there were no significant differences in the growth parameters, nutrient digestibility, and body composition of fish among all treatments. Although no significant difference was observed in fish growth, low growth was observed when the fish meal was totally replaced with the BSF meal. Higher alpha diversity of intestinal microbiota was observed in fish fed the BSF meal-based diet compared to that of the control. In the treatment groups fed the BSF meal, elevations in the presence of microbial genera that produce digestive enzymes, such as chitinase (Nocardia, Vibrio, Paenibacillus, Photobacterium), lipase (Paenibacillus, Photobacterium), and trypsin-like serine protease (Bacillus, Paenibacillus) and vitamin B group [biotin (Vibrio, Paenibacillus, Bacillus), cobalamin (Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Propionibacterium), and pyridoxin (Photobacterium)], were observed. We also found an increasing trend of bacteria producing antioxidative enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase (Nocardia, Pseudomonas, Photobacterium) in the BSF groups. These results suggested that the BSF meal could replace 67% of fishmeal without causing a negative impact on growth and lead to beneficial effects on the intestinal microbiota of the red sea bream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eight-week feeding trial investigated the effects of fishmeal (FM) replacement by soybean meal (SBM) and poultry by-product meal (PBM) in diets supplemented with two methionine sources (DL-Met and AQUAVI®) and their combinations with ECOBIOL®(Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940) on growth performance, body composition, and nutrient metabolism of Penaeus vannamei. Four hundred shrimp (0.30 ± 0.04 g) randomly distributed into 20 tanks (20 shrimp tank-1 ) were fed with five experimental diets (four repetitions per diet). A control diet (CD; 20% FM) and four diets with 50% FM replacement supplemented with different methionine sources and ECOBIOL®combinations: D1 (0.13% DL-MET), D2 (0.06% AQUAVI®), D3 (0.13% DL-MET plus 0.10% ECOBIOL®), and D4 (0.06% AQUAVI®plus 0.10% ECOBIOL® ). Shrimp fed D2 and D4 had better growth performance, nutrient utilization, and body composition. Shrimp fed D3 also had good growth performance but higher lipid body composition. Shrimp fed D1 had the worst growth performance, nutrient utilization, and body composition values. Nutrient metabolism-related genes were affected by dietary treatments. Protein synthesis-related genes decreased mostly in shrimp fed D1 and D2 while increased mostly in shrimp fed D3 and D4, lipolysis-related genes had a better transcriptional response in shrimp fed D4 and lipogenesis-related genes were mostly downregulated in shrimp fed D2 while were mostly upregulated in shrimp fed D3 and D4. Results suggested that FM could be partially replaced with SBM and PBM in shrimp feeds supplemented with 0.06% AQUAVI®alone or combined with 0.10% ECOBIOL®without adversely affecting the growth and nutrient metabolism of P. vannamei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete quantitative essential amino acid (EAA) requirements of aquacultured animals are largely unknown except for a handful of species. This is problematic because formulation of least-cost diets for target animals demands precise knowledge of EAA requirements. One way of approximating EAA requirements is to use correlations between whole-body and/or muscle EAA profiles using essential to total EAA ratios (A/E ratios). This method requires a reference, quantified EAA requirement, usually lysine (Lys). To systematically evaluate the A/E ratio method, muscle AA profiles were measured in 10 species of teleost and whiteleg shrimp. In fish, Lys represented the dominant muscle EAA measured, ranging between 7.06 and 9.58 g/100 g protein, whereas, in shrimp, arginine (Arg) was quantified as the principal EAA. For non-EAA, glutamate (Glu) and glutamine were consistently the NEAA recorded at highest levels whereas, in shrimp, Glu + Gln was highest followed by aspartate (Asp) plus asparagine (Asn). Except for Arg, which was twice that of fish (P < 0.05), whiteleg shrimp expressed similar muscle A/E profiles. Strength of relationship between muscle EAA levels and known requirements were all strongly and positively correlated for non-salmonid species. When using Lys as the reference EAA there were few semblances between measured and estimated EAA requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to assess the influence of fishmeal replacement with increasing percentages of fresh seafood discards (0, 25, 50 and 75%) in diets for Penaeus japonicus on growth performance, physical characteristics and the chemical and fatty acid composition of shrimp flesh. Each diet was administered for 108 days, and the trial was assayed in triplicate. The final body weight and the specific growth rate were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in shrimps fed with 75% fishmeal replacement as compared to 25%, while the abdomen weight and the total length were the highest (p < 0.01). Moreover, 75% replacement showed a significantly (p < 0.05) lower value of hardness and a greater crude protein and lipid content as compared to the 0% replacement. The shrimps fed with high levels of seafood discards (50 and 75%) showed a lower saturated fatty acid concentration and, in turn, a greater amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in shrimp meat significantly (p < 0.05) affected the lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. In conclusion, replacing 75% of fishmeal with seafood discards provided satisfactory results. An economic analysis based on ESG indicators and PESTLE methodology is provided in order to show the socio-economic and governance impacts affecting the replacement of shrimps' diet with fish discard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The price of fishmeal (FM) has been increasing continuously due to the expansion of the gap between its stable production and rising demand. Therefore, plant protein sources are widely applied in the aquaculture industry to accomplish the protein requirement of farmed fish species. However, the massive number of results produced under various experimental conditions appended challenges for comprehensive summarization and comparison of the effects of plant protein sources on carnivorous fish species. Thus, a systemic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to compare the impacts of various plant protein sources on growth, feed utilization efficiencies, blood lipid, and liver health of representative carnivorous species. Supported by the data from 256 articles, our results indicated that Atlantic salmon, African catfish, Black seabass, and Hybrid striped bass were better at utilizing plant protein sources than Grouper and Japanese seabass. Cottonseed and lupin proteins were promising protein alternatives, while rapeseed showed significant growth suppression effects for these carnivorous fish species. Besides, deep processing methods such as fermentation and enzymolysis alleviated undesirable consequences effectively when less than half of FM was replaced by plant protein sources. Moreover, the optimal plant protein sources are discussed for each fish species. Overall, this article depicts the impact patterns of major plant protein sources on carnivorous farmed fish species and lays a solid foundation for further investigation on mechanisms for improving plant protein utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the use of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL), provided in either full-fat (FBSF) or defatted (DBSF) forms, as an alternative protein source in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Specifically, the influence was assessed of BSFL on growth performance, hematological parameters, body composition, and histology. Nine diets (including the control) were formulated to be isonitrogenous (35 % crude protein) and isolipidic (6 % crude lipid), relying on fish meal as the primary protein source and gradually replacing it with BSFL meal at levels of 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, or 100 % on an equivalent protein basis, corresponding to dietary inclusion levels of 5.25 %, 10.25 %, 15.5 %, and 20.0 %, respectively. Fish with an initial mean weight ± standard deviation of 1.3 ± 0.26 g were fed for 12 weeks until the fish final weight was in the range 24.08–34.95 g. Based on the results, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in the growth performance or feed conversion ratios among the treatments. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the hematological responses or the proximate body composition. Furthermore, 100 % substitution of fish meal with FSFL and DBSF meal caused blood congestion in the hepatopancreas region and several intraepithelial leukocytes in the intestine. There were no detrimental impacts at levels of 25 %, 50 %, and 75 % on growth performance, hematological responses, body composition, or the intestines or liver histological characteristics of the O. niloticus fingerlings. This information should provide useful guidance for the management of Nile tilapia, an economically important species.

Fish meal represents the main protein source for most commercially farmed aquatic species, as it is characterized by high nutritional value and lack of anti-nutritional factors. However, its availability and the market price have been recognized as serious problems at least for over a decade, making it necessary to search for non-conventional protein sources, as an alternative to fish meals. This review aims to comprehensively examine and critically revise the use of fish meal and all alternative protein sources explored to date on the health, welfare, and growth performance of the major aquatic species commercially interesting from a global scenario. The investigation revealed that the inclusion levels of the different protein sources, plant- and animal-derived, ranged from 10 to 80 % and from 2 to 100 % respectively, in partial or complete replacement of fish meal, and generated positive effects on health, welfare, growth performance, and fillet quality. However, the results showed that above a certain level of inclusion, each protein source can negatively affect fish growth performance, metabolic activities, and other biological parameters. Moreover, it is likely that by mixing different protein sources, the combination of each ingredient causes a synergistic effect on the nutritional properties. Therefore, the future of aquatic feed formulation is expected to be based on the blend of different protein sources. Overall, the analysis highlighted the need for additional research in the field of replacing fish meals with new protein sources, given that many knowledge gaps are still to be filled on aquatic species, which deserve to be investigated.

Black soldier fly (BSF) meal possesses a balanced nutritional profile, making it a promising substitute for fishmeal. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal with BSF meal on fish immune response and antioxidant capacity. However, considering the varying effects of BSF meal on different fish species demonstrated in earlier studies, a meta-analysis study was imperative to determine the efficacy of BSF meal in aquafeed. This meta-analysis examined 38 studies on finfish. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were conducted to investigate the source of heterogeneity in the immunostimulant and antioxidant efficacy of BSF meal. Categorical variables used in subgroup analysis included the BSF development stage (larvae versus prepupae or pupae), BSF processing method (full-fat versus defatted), and fish dietary habits. Two continuous variables were evaluated for meta-regression analysis: dietary BSF inclusion level and treatment duration. The datasets were assessed for publication bias using funnel plots and Egger's test with the Pustejovsky–Rodgers Approach. The results revealed that BSF meal influences immune performance and antioxidant ability. Subgroup analysis indicated that different BSF development stages significantly influence the immunostimulant and antioxidant efficacy of BSF meals, with BSF prepupae or pupae outperforming BSF larvae. In terms of processing, full-fat BSF was superior to defatted BSF. Furthermore, BSF meal demonstrated the highest efficacy in omnivorous fishes. Meta-regression outcomes revealed that a higher concentration of BSF meal may inhibit immune response and antioxidant ability and that treatment duration exerts little impact. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis demonstrated that BSF is a promising ingredient in aquafeed to improve fish immune response and antioxidant capacity.

The current study evaluates the nutritional and feed value of mysid meal (MM) as a substitute for fishmeal (FM) in the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) postlarvae diet. Five experimental diets were formulated by replacing 0 (MM0), 25 (MM25), 50 (MM50), 75 (MM75), and 100 % (MM100) of dietary FM with MM. These experimental feeds were fed to P. vannamei postlarvae in a 60-day feeding trial. Results revealed that MM could entirely substitute 100 % FM in the white shrimp diet. Furthermore, results showed that 75 % FM replacement with MM elicited a growth-enhancing effect and improved feed nutrient utilization. No significant treatment effects were detected in the survival, total feed intake, and biochemical body composition of P. vannamei. The observed improvement in shrimp growth in terms of weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and nutrient retention were positively correlated with the substitution level of FM by MM. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was negatively correlated with the substitution of MM and with the growth indices including WG and SGR. In conclusion, 100% of the FM (40% in the control diet) can be substituted by dietary MM without affecting the survival, growth, feed utilization, and biochemical carcass composition of P. vannamei. Polynomial regression analysis of SGR indicates that 65.50% of MM is optimum to replace FM in the diet of P. vannamei to attain maximum growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research assessed the inclusion of MRD-Pro®, a bacterial-derived single-cell protein (SCP), in the diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry with an initial weight of 0.12 grams. Using a diet composed of 45% crude protein and 14% crude fat, with an initial fishmeal content of 8.0% (designated as Diet 0.00% SCP, the control), SCP replaced 50% and 100% of the fishmeal on a protein basis, incorporated at levels of 4.25% and 8.50%, respectively. In addition, two more diets were prepared with higher levels of SCP, 14.50% and 21.00%. All diets were isoproteic and isolipidic. Weight gains of fish fed with the control diet (27.26 g) and the 4.25% SCP diet (21.61 g) were statistically comparable among themselves but were significantly greater than those of fish fed the 8.50% SCP (10.45 g), 14.50% SCP (11.54 g), or 21.00% SCP (7.28 g) diets, a trend observed across all growth and feed utilization indices. Increasing dietary SCP significantly reduced the crude fat and dry matter content in fish muscle tissue, while minimal changes in the amino acid profile of fish muscle tissue were observed. The bacterial-based SCP MRD-Pro® is a nutritious feed additive that can be effectively incorporated, within limits, into the diet of tilapia fry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A six-treatment study in a 3 × 2 factorial design was conducted to investigate whether dietary supplementation of shrimp hydrolysate (SH) improves the efficacy of meat and bone meal (MBM) replacing fishmeal protein in juvenile giant trevally Caranx ignobilis. A fishmeal-based diet (MBM0) was used as a control; two low fishmeal diets were prepared by replacing 25% (MBM25) and 50% (MBM50) of fishmeal protein with MBM; and another three treatments by supplementing MBM0, MBM25, and MBM50 with 45-g/kg SH supplementation (MBM0SH, MBM25SH, MBM50SH) were produced. The results showed that fish fed MBM25 and MBM50 caused lower growth and feed utilization than MBM0, whereas no differences were observed among fish fed MBM25SH, MBM50SH, and MBM0. Increasing dietary MBM levels resulted in decreased lipids in fish muscles and increased ash contents, while SH supplementation improved the muscle lipid levels. Substituting fishmeal with MBM increased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA), n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 HUFA), and n-3/n-6 HUFA, whereas SH supplementation enhanced n-3 PUFA, n-3 HUFA, and n-3/n-6 HUFA. The goblet cell density in the intestine increased in fish fed diets supplemented with SH. The study suggested that dietary supplementation of 45-g/kg SH increased the efficacy of substituting MBM protein for 50% of fishmeal protein without compromising the growth of juvenile giant trevally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of replacing dietary fishmeal with increasing levels of soybean meal (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% corresponding to 0, 11, 22, 33 and 44% inclusion in the formulated diet) on the intestine and liver histomorphology of juvenile pirarucu Arapaima gigas (233 ± 12 g; mean ± SD) fed for 120 days. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed diets with higher soybean levels (45 and 60%) presented clinical signs such as appetite loss, cachexia and jaundice. In addition, fish fed on 45% and 60% soybean meal had histomorphological alterations in the middle and posterior portions of the intestinal mucosa (enteritis) and high liver lipid deposition (steatosis). Therefore, 45% or 60% of soybean meal is not recommended; however, a replacement of fishmeal by soybean meal of up to 30% (22% inclusion) can be used in diets to feed juvenile pirarucu for long periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) is an effective strategy to moderate the shortage of fish meal (FM) for the aquafeed industry. However, little attention has been paid to the effects of replacing fishmeal with CPC on cyprinid fish. This study used common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as the biological model and assessed the potential of applying CPC as a substitute for fishmeal in the diet of common carp. The proportion of fish meal substituted with CPC in the six diets was 0% (CPC0), 25% (CPC25), 50% (CPC50), 75% (CPC75), and 100% (CPC100). Each diet was fed to three replicate groups of common carp (4.17 ± 0.02 g) for 56 days. Results revealed that the CPC50 group significantly increased the growth indexes via up-regulating the genes of the GH/IGF axis and the TOR pathway. The intestinal digestive ability was also elevated in the CPC50 group via markedly increasing intestinal villus height, protease and lipase activities in the whole intestine, and the amylase activity of the foregut and midgut. The CPC50 group captured significantly higher activities and gene expressions of antioxidant enzymes and lower malonaldehyde contents via evoking the Nrf2/Keap1 signal pathway. The CPC50 group enhance the intestinal mechanical barrier via up-regulating the gene expressions of tight junction proteins and heighten the intestinal biological barrier by increasing the probiotics (Lactococcus) and decreasing the harmful bacteria (Enterococcus). But excessive substitution levels (75% and 100%) would compromise growth performance, intestinal antioxidant capacity, and immune function. The optimum substitution level was estimated to be 46.47%, 47.72%, and 46.43% using broken-line regression analyses based on mass gain rate, protein efficiency ratio, and feed conversion rate. Overall, the fishmeal in common carp feed could be substituted up to 50% by CPC without negative influence on growth, feed utilization, and or intestinal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To alleviate the growth inhibition, and intestinal damage of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) induced by low fishmeal diets (LF), an 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the addition of dietary soybean-derived bioactive peptides (SBP) in LF diets on the regulation of growth, digestion and intestinal health. The crabs were fed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic conventional diet and LF diets (10 % fishmeal replaced by soybean meal, LF) supplemented with 0, 1 %, 2 %, 4 % and 6 % SBP, respectively. The results showed that LF diet inhibited growth while inclusion of SBP quadratically remitted the growth inhibition induced by LF. For digestive function, increasing addition level of SBP quadratically improved the α -amylase and trypsin activities. For antioxidant function, LF group significantly increased the malondialdehyde content, while SBP linearly decreased the malondialdehyde level and cubically increased the anti-superoxide anion activity and total antioxidant capacity level. For intestinal health, the peritrophic membrane (PM) almost completely separated from the inner wall of the intestinal lumen, the epithelial cells reduced, the muscularis became thinner and the apoptotic signals increased in LF group; with SBP addition, the intestinal morphology was improved, with the PM adhering to the inner wall of the intestinal lumen, an increase in the number of epithelial cells and an increase in the thickness of the muscularis. Additionally, there was a decrease in apoptotic signals. Dietary SBP also increased the expression of PT and Crustin1 quadratically and decreased the expression of ALF1 linearly, ALF3 and ILF2 quadratically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein demand from aquaculture exacerbates environmental pressures. Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus, MA) is a new aquaculture species in southern China and has great potential for future promotion. In this study, we used Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) to replace 0–20 % of fishmeal in the feed, respectively. A 10-week aquaculture experiment was conducted on 600 MAs with five groups of F0 (0 %), F1 (5 %), F2 (10 %), F3 (15 %), and F4 (20 %) set up with equal nitrogen (approximately 50.00 % crude protein) and equal fat (about 5.50 % crude fat) feeds. The experimental results showed that replacing fishmeal with different proportions of SPP significantly reduced FCR (p < 0.05), increased WGR and SGR (p < 0.05), and reduced the feeding cost, with the best performance in F2. Polynomial analysis combining WGR and SGR showed that the optimum percentage of substitution was 10.93 % and 11.09 % in MA diets, respectively. The addition of SPP significantly reduced the levels of EPA and DHA content (p < 0.05), significantly increased the proportion of C14:0, C16:1, C20:5n3, and C22:6n3 (p < 0.05), and a high proportion of SPP addition significantly decreased saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.05). The length of intestinal villi and the secretion levels of Chymotrypsin and Pepsin were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the secretion level of Lipase was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the experimental group. A low percentage of SPP increased microbial diversity in MA’s gut. Functional pathways related to metabolic functions were the most obvious broad groups with the most significant changes in relative abundance in the experimental group, and Plesiomonas and Aeromonas may be the key microorganisms involved in regulating the digestion and metabolism of SPP in the gut of MA.

The present study aims to evaluate methanol-extracted cottonseed meal (CSM) as a potential replacement for fishmeal (FM) in aquafeeds for juvenile cobia Rachycentron canadum. Five isonitrogenous (41% crude protein) and isolipidic (11% crude lipid) diets were formulated with 0 (i.e., the full fishmeal diet, as Control), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the dietary protein from FM replaced by methanol-extracted CSM with L-lysine (L-Lys) and DL-methionine (DL-Met) and supplemented to the established requirement levels for cobia. Diets were fed to triplicate groups of juvenile fish with an average initial weight (±SEM) of 11.35 ± 0.23 g/fish for 9 weeks. Percent weight gain (WG), feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed diets with 25% and 50% of FM protein replaced by methanol-extracted CSM were higher or comparable to those of fish fed the Control diet. Those responses were gradually reduced with increasing levels of CSM substitution, resulting in significant (p < 0.05) negative linear trends. Condition factor (CF) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) values significantly decreased with increasing dietary CSM inclusion, as did whole-body protein and lipid composition. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) of fish fed CSM diets were not significantly different compared to that of fish fed the Control diet. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, as well as serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities from fish fed diets with 50% or greater of CSM were lower than those of fish fed the Control and CSM25 diets. These results indicated that the inclusion of CSM did not induce any apparent stress on juvenile cobia. Additionally, methanol-extracted CSM with Lys and Met supplementation was able to replace up to 20~30% of crude protein provided by FM in the diet of cobia without drastically affecting the growth performance or body composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Hydrobiology is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Hydrobiology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to increase the utilization of banana peels, a local agricultural by-product, by improving nutrient value and partially reducing the presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) as an alternative ingredient in fish feed. The feasibility of molasses-fermented banana peels (MFBP) as a protein source in a practical diet for hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) fries was investigated. Five isonitrogenous experimental diets containing 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100% substitution levels of fish meal by MFBP were formulated. Twenty tilapia fries per group with three replicates were fed for eight weeks. The growth performance and feed efficiency values of fish were recorded and evaluated. Fish fed with 0, 25, and 50% MFBP levels showed significantly higher growth parameters, survival rate, and feed utilization efficiency than those fed with 75 and 100% MFBP levels. Although the control diet produced better growth performance and feed utilization efficiency than MFBP-based diets there was no significant difference between fish fed with the control diet and the low MFBP levels (0-50%) diet. Based on the present findings, it could be concluded that the molasses-fermented banana peels (MFBP) could efficiently replace the fishmeal by up to 50% without affecting the growth performance of red tilapia.

The current study evaluates the nutritional and feed value of mysid meal (MM) as a substitute for fishmeal (FM) in the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) postlarvae diet. Five experimental diets were formulated by replacing 0 (MM0), 25 (MM25), 50 (MM50), 75 (MM75), and 100 % (MM100) of dietary FM with MM. These experimental feeds were fed to P. vannamei postlarvae in a 60-day feeding trial. Results revealed that MM could entirely substitute 100 % FM in the white shrimp diet. Furthermore, results showed that 75 % FM replacement with MM elicited a growth-enhancing effect and improved feed nutrient utilization. No significant treatment effects were detected in the survival, total feed intake, and biochemical body composition of P. vannamei. The observed improvement in shrimp growth in terms of weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and nutrient retention were positively correlated with the substitution level of FM by MM. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was negatively correlated with the substitution of MM and with the growth indices including WG and SGR. In conclusion, 100% of the FM (40% in the control diet) can be substituted by dietary MM without affecting the survival, growth, feed utilization, and biochemical carcass composition of P. vannamei. Polynomial regression analysis of SGR indicates that 65.50% of MM is optimum to replace FM in the diet of P. vannamei to attain maximum growth.

In the present investigation, we endeavored to elucidate the ramifications of substituting fishmeal (FM) with fiber-devoid pea peels protein source with concentrations of 15 and 25% on various physiological parameters of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. A total of 120 O. niloticus fingerlings were meticulously categorized into three distinct quartile replicates, each encompassing 10 piscine subjects within a 50-liter aquarium setting. The dietary regimens administered during this experimental phase encompassed: A control group devoid of any FM substitution, T15 featuring a 15% pea meal concentration and T25 with a 25% concentration. The data presented here indicate that varying amounts of pea byproduct in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus had no noticeable effect on water quality variables. Treatment groups (T15 and T25, fed with 15 and 25% pea byproduct, respectively) had considerably better growth performance characteristics than the control group, including final weight and weight increase. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the values of DWG and SGR (daily weight gain). The values of food conversion ratio (FCR), feeding efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly varied at partial replacement of fishmeal by 15% pea byproduct (T15) compared to the control group. The hematological parameters and the proximate body composition showed no significant differences across all groups. These results intimated that the inclusion of pea meals as an alternative protein source can be seamlessly integrated into the dietary regimen of the Nile tilapia without engendering adverse physiological consequences. Such revelations offer invaluable academic insights into the potential incorporation of plant-derived protein sources in aquaculture, thereby proffering implications for sustainable pisciculture methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to assess the influence of fishmeal replacement with increasing percentages of fresh seafood discards (0, 25, 50 and 75%) in diets for Penaeus japonicus on growth performance, physical characteristics and the chemical and fatty acid composition of shrimp flesh. Each diet was administered for 108 days, and the trial was assayed in triplicate. The final body weight and the specific growth rate were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in shrimps fed with 75% fishmeal replacement as compared to 25%, while the abdomen weight and the total length were the highest (p < 0.01). Moreover, 75% replacement showed a significantly (p < 0.05) lower value of hardness and a greater crude protein and lipid content as compared to the 0% replacement. The shrimps fed with high levels of seafood discards (50 and 75%) showed a lower saturated fatty acid concentration and, in turn, a greater amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in shrimp meat significantly (p < 0.05) affected the lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. In conclusion, replacing 75% of fishmeal with seafood discards provided satisfactory results. An economic analysis based on ESG indicators and PESTLE methodology is provided in order to show the socio-economic and governance impacts affecting the replacement of shrimps’ diet with fish discard.

The application of cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) is an effective strategy to moderate the shortage of fish meal (FM) for the aquafeed industry. However, little attention has been paid to the effects of replacing fishmeal with CPC on cyprinid fish. This study used common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as the biological model and assessed the potential of applying CPC as a substitute for fishmeal in the diet of common carp. The proportion of fish meal substituted with CPC in the six diets was 0% (CPC0), 25% (CPC25), 50% (CPC50), 75% (CPC75), and 100% (CPC100). Each diet was fed to three replicate groups of common carp (4.17 ± 0.02 g) for 56 days. Results revealed that the CPC50 group significantly increased the growth indexes via up-regulating the genes of the GH/IGF axis and the TOR pathway. The intestinal digestive ability was also elevated in the CPC50 group via markedly increasing intestinal villus height, protease and lipase activities in the whole intestine, and the amylase activity of the foregut and midgut. The CPC50 group captured significantly higher activities and gene expressions of antioxidant enzymes and lower malonaldehyde contents via evoking the Nrf2/Keap1 signal pathway. The CPC50 group enhance the intestinal mechanical barrier via up-regulating the gene expressions of tight junction proteins and heighten the intestinal biological barrier by increasing the probiotics (Lactococcus) and decreasing the harmful bacteria (Enterococcus). But excessive substitution levels (75% and 100%) would compromise growth performance, intestinal antioxidant capacity, and immune function. The optimum substitution level was estimated to be 46.47%, 47.72%, and 46.43% using broken-line regression analyses based on mass gain rate, protein efficiency ratio, and feed conversion rate. Overall, the fishmeal in common carp feed could be substituted up to 50% by CPC without negative influence on growth, feed utilization, and or intestinal health.

Copyright of South China Fisheries Science is the property of South China Fisheries Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The replacement of fishmeal with plant protein sources has been studied in Penaeus vannamei. However, it has only been studied from the point of view of protein replacement, forgetting the integral role that fishmeal plays in the nutrition of shrimp. This study aimed to determine if a supplement of dietary phosphorus can sustain the fishmeal replacement by a blend of plant protein feedstuffs, with betaine and tauren as attractants and still supporting homeostasis, growth, digestive enzymes, and lipid-soluble antioxidant systems at normal levels in juveniles of P. vannamei. A standard feed (25% fishmeal) for juvenile P. vannamei was partially replaced with a mix of plant ingredients (soybean and canola paste, soy protein concentrate, and wheat meal). These feedstuffs were supplemented with amino acids (MET, LYS, TAU) plus microencapsulated exogenous phytase, betaine, and dicalphosphate. P. vannamei juveniles (2.56 g) were maintained in 100 L fiber tanks for 70 days. Biomass was significantly affected by the treatments (P < 0.05), being better as the fishmeal was replaced in the diet and comparable to commercial feed. No significant changes were observed in blood parameters. Muscle superoxide dismutase activity was significantly affected by the diets (P < 0.05). There were adaptive changes in digestive enzymes, and homeostasis remained stable. Fishmeal replacement may depend on supplementation with taurine and soluble phosphorus, not only for performance but flesh quality, and here, the shear strength of the shrimp muscle remained within the acceptable value (69-81 mJ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Atlantic salmon industry is expected to grow globally by 2–3% by the year 2030. The main protein source used in salmon feeds is fishmeal, which is produced from wild-caught marine fish, whose natural stocks are at risk of depletion. It is of major importance, therefore, to select alternative feed ingredients that present an adequate protein profile, guarantee a good health status and growth performance of Atlantic salmon, and at the same time are environmentally sustainable. The availability and cost of fishmeal constitute a bottleneck in Atlantic salmon production expansion. Fishmeal is produced from wild fish species and constitutes the major feed ingredient in carnivorous species such as the Atlantic salmon. These natural stocks are at risk of depletion and it is therefore of major importance to find alternative protein sources that meet the nutritional requirements of the Atlantic salmon, without compromising the animals' health. Terrestrial animal by-products have been used in aquaculture feed, but their use is limited by the lack of several essential amino acids and consumer acceptance. In the case of plant ingredients, it is necessary to take into account both their concentration and the extraction methodologies, since, if not dosed correctly, they can cause macro- and microscopic alterations of the structure of the gastrointestinal tract and can also negatively modulate the microbiota composition. These alterations may compromise the digestive functions, growth of the animal, and, ultimately, its well-being. An updated revision of alternative protein sources is provided, with the respective impact on the intestine health in terms of both morphology and microbiota composition. Such information may constitute the premise for the choice and development of Atlantic salmon feeds that guarantee fish health and growth performance without having a significant impact on the surrounding environment, both in terms of depletion of the fish's natural stocks and in terms of pressure on the terrestrial agriculture. The sustainability of aquaculture should be a priority when choosing next-generation ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture struggles with sustainability due to the use of fishmeal, and insects are one potential alternative. Insects have low long-chain omega−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content, and insect-fed fish reflect this in their composition. In total, 500 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, ~46 g) were fed until the fish reached a commercial size (~415 g). Five diets were used: one control based on fishmeal as main source of protein; two with a 50% replacement of fishmeal with yellow mealworm meal (Tenebrio molitor), one with full-fat insect, and another partially defatted; two other diets similar to the one with the full-fat insect, but with the addition of an experimental algal oil rich in omega−3 in two different concentrations (one equivalent to control, the other one to the defatted insect diet). Growth was unaffected, as well as texture and organoleptic profile of the fillets. Lightness, brightness and colour of the fillets were slightly modified by the experimental diets. An increase in omega−3 levels over those of the full-fat insect diet is described. An omega−3 sparing effect was highlighted, causing lipid accumulation in fillets and liver, and a mild increase in oxidative damage. More research is encouraged to evaluate the fatty acid profile of the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the purpose of improving aquaculture sustainability, the search for protein alternatives to fishmeal makes it necessary to test different variables and the possible repercussions of new ingredients. The use of insect meal as a protein source for aquaculture is well described, but the complex composition of insect meals (fat and other components) can affect the physiology of fish. For this reason, as a part of a bigger study, the aim of the current manuscript was to test diets based on three different presentations of insect meal coming from yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor): full fat, partially defatted, and supplemented with a long chain omega–3-enriched oil, and to evaluate their effects on protein digestibility, biometric indices, immunological system and gut health (intestinal histomorphology and microbiota) of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Digestibility of the protein and body indices showed a minor but consistent trend. The non-specific immunological system did not show changes, but the histology of the intestine showed signs that insect meals could be softening a mild inflammatory response. The gut microbiota suffered several changes, which could be associated with the different amino acid and fatty acid compositions of the diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-cell ingredients (SCI) are considered promising nutrient sources which are produced using environmentally friendly biotechnological processes. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the replacement of fishmeal, plant protein sources, and fish oil with SCI in organic feeds for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Bacterial protein, yeast protein, and microalgae were used to replace fishmeal trimmings, soya bean meal, and fish oil from trimmings. Triplicate groups (30 fish per replicate) of European sea bass (14.4 ± 2.4 g) were fed the experimental diets for 71 days. The results showed that the incorporation of SCI at all levels of inclusion significantly enhanced nutrient digestibility. Additionally, growth performance parameters were not affected by SCI inclusion, exhibiting similar or improved values. Moreover, a tendency for improved anterior and posterior gut structure was observed and a significant increase of lysozyme activity at the two highest inclusion levels of SCI was determined. Overall, the results showed that the inclusion of SCI at 15% (bacterial: yeast: algae—9.4: 4.7: 1) is possible without compromising any of the parameters evaluated. According to these findings, a higher substitution of fishmeal trimmings, plant protein sources, and fish oil from trimmings with SCI in organic diets for European sea bass (D. labrax) can be further evaluated in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The application of more inedible ingredients in aquafeeds will contribute to sustainable development and alleviate food security. The rising prices and declining yields of traditional aquafeed protein sources such as fishmeal and soybean meal are hindering the development of aquaculture. Therefore, in this study, bovine bone meal, dephenolized cottonseed protein, and blood cell meal were utilized to replace dietary fishmeal in the form of compound protein. Culture trials were conducted on the economically farmed fish, juvenile golden pompano, and the feasibility and suitable ratio of non-grain proteins for application in aquafeeds were evaluated by indicators such as growth performance and muscle quality. The results of this study provide data support for the development of new aquafeeds with less fishmeal and high efficiency, which can help alleviate the shortage of aquafeed feedstuff, and provide theoretical and data references for the study of securing a sustainable food supply. In the context of human food shortages, the incorporation of non-grain feedstuff in fish feed deserves more research attention. Here, the feasibility and appropriate ratio of non-grain compound protein (NGCP, containing bovine bone meal, dephenolized cottonseed protein, and blood cell meal) for dietary fishmeal (FM) replacement were explored in golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). Four isonitrogenous (45%) and isolipidic (12%) diets (Control, 25NGP, 50NGP, and 75NGP) were prepared. Control contained 24% FM, whereas the FM content of 25NGP, 50NGP, and 75NGP was 18%, 12%, and 6%, respectively, representing a 25%, 50%, and 75% replacement of FM in Control by NGCP. Juvenile golden pompano (initial weight: 9.71 ± 0.04 g) were fed the four diets for 65 days in sea cages. There was no significant difference between the 25NGP and Control groups in terms of weight gain, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate; contents of crude protein, crude lipid, moisture, and ash in muscle and whole fish; muscle textural properties including hardness, chewiness, gumminess, tenderness, springiness, and cohesiveness; and serum biochemical indexes including total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. However, the golden pompano in 50NGP and 75NGP experienced nutritional stress, and thus some indicators were negatively affected. In addition, compared to the Control group, the expression levels of genes related to protein metabolism (mtor, s6k1, and 4e-bp1) and lipid metabolism (pparγ, fas, srebp1, and acc1) of the 25NGP group showed no significant difference, but the 4e-bp1 and pparγ of the 75NGP group were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively (p < 0.05), which may explain the decline in fish growth performance and muscle quality after 75% FM was replaced by NGCP. The results suggest that at least 25% FM of Control can be replaced by NGCP, achieving a dietary FM content of as low as 18%; however, the replacement of more than 50% of the dietary FM negatively affects the growth and muscle quality of golden pompano. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In contemporary dietary formulations for aquaculture, the amounts of fishmeal are being constantly reduced, and the inclusion of plant-protein sources is now a standard procedure. This approach may result in an unbalanced supply of selected nutrients, from which taurine was identified. Taurine is an amino acid that plays important physiological roles and is included in bile salts, which are essential for the emulsion, digestion, and absorption of dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. In mammals, a hypolipidemic effect of taurine has been described. Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is a marine fish species with increasing importance for aquaculture production in Southern European countries, with a high market value and low tolerance to dietary lipid levels. Thus, this study tested the effects of taurine supplementation to low-fishmeal diets on the physiological responses of Senegalese sole, with an emphasis on lipid metabolism. The results show that dietary inclusion of high levels of plant-protein sources to replace marine ingredients resulted in negative effects on lipid metabolism, due to the resultant low bile-acid concentration and/or the limited availability of taurine for bile-salt emulsification. Taurine supplementation mitigated part of the negative effects of plant-based diets, leading to better lipid utilisation. Taurine is a sulphur-containing amino acid with important physiological roles and a key compound for the synthesis of bile salts, which are essential for the emulsion and absorption of dietary lipids. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation to low-fishmeal diets on the metabolism of taurine, bile acids, and lipids of Senegalese sole. A fishmeal (FM) and a plant-protein-based (PP0) diet were formulated, and the latter was supplemented with taurine at 0.5 and 1.5% (diets PP0.5 and PP1.5). Diets were assigned to triplicate tanks containing 35 fish (initial weight ~14 g) for 6 weeks. Fish from the PP0 treatment presented lower taurine and bile-acid concentrations compared with the FM treatment, and a downregulation of cyp7a1 and abcb11 was observed. Triolein catabolism decreased in PP0-fed fish, resulting in increased hepatic fat content and plasma triglycerides, while no effects on plasma cholesterol were observed. Taurine supplementation to plant-based diets resulted in a higher taurine accumulation in fish tissues, increased bile-acid concentration, and upregulation of cyp7a1 and abcb11. Hepatic fat content and plasma triglycerides decreased with increasing dietary taurine supplementation. Taurine supplementation mitigated part of the negative effects of plant-based diets, leading to better lipid utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: With the development of the breeding industry, the production of fishmeal will not be able to meet the needs of feed production in the future. Clostridium autoethanogenum protein meal (CAP) is a by-product of people using carbon monoxide exhaust from the steel industry to produce ethanol, with a potential to become a substitute ingredient for fishmeal to alleviate the shortage of fishmeal. This study was conducted on pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂), an economic fish species widely cultured in Southeast Asia. After using different concentrations of CAP to replace fishmeal in the feed for eight weeks, respectively, we found that it could replace 45% of fishmeal in the pearl gentian grouper feed through growth performance, various physiological and biochemical indexes analysis experiments, but a 60% replacement level would significantly affect health and growth. These findings provide a reference for the promotion and further research of CAP as a new environmentally friendly ingredient, which is positive for the sustainable development of the farming industry and even for the utilization of waste gas from the steel industry. In this study, we present data from an eight-week growth trial with pearl gentian grouper fed either a reference diet (FM) with a fishmeal level of 50%, or test diet wherein 15% (CAP15), 30% (CAP30), 45% (CAP45), and 60% (CAP60) fishmeal was replaced by Clostridium autoethanogenum protein meal (CAP). Results showed that the weight gain and daily feed intake ratio of CAP60 were significantly lower than the FM group. In the serum, compared to the FM group, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), the activities of alanine aminotransferase in CAP60 and CAP45 groups, and acid phosphatase in the CAP60 group were significantly higher, while the content of total cholesterol in CAP60 and CAP45 groups was significantly lower. In the liver, compared to the control group, the content of MDA in the CAP60 group was significantly higher. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase in CAP30 to CAP60 groups and farnesoid X receptor in CAP60 were significantly upregulated. In distal intestines, the activities of trypsin and superoxide dismutase of CAP30 to CAP60 groups were significantly lower than the FM group. In conclusion, for pearl gentian grouper, CAP could replace up to 45% of the fishmeal in the feed, while a 60% replacement level will affect cholesterol bile acid metabolism and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For improving aquafeed sustainability, insect meal is currently considered the most promising alternative to fishmeal. However, in this regard, more data are still necessary to avoid possible negative impacts on fish growth performance, metabolism, and welfare. The present study investigated the effects of increasing the inclusion of Hermetia illucens meal (0%, 17%, 33% and 50% of the feed, equating to 0%, 34%, 66% and 100% fishmeal replacement) on fish mortality, growth performance, intestine morphology, and gene expression of intestinal carriers. The results showed no adverse effects on fish mortality, feed intake and body weight and a positive effect on feed conversion ratio. Body weight gain was higher when 17% and 50% of Black soldier fly meals' feed included (34% and 100% fishmeal replacement, respectively). Gut morphology was not affected by the dietary treatments except for the area of PAS-positive goblet cells that was higher in the treatment fed 33% of insect meal. The mRNA expression of intestinal epithelium functionality-specific marker genes, such as slc15a1 (alias pept1, alias slc15a1b), gata4 and nfkb1b, confirmed that the insect meal-based diets might replace fishmeal-based diets without negative effects. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that using Hermetia illucens larvae meal as a replacement for fishmeal in aquafeeds might help to enhance sustainability while assuring favorable fish growth performance and gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to evaluate methanol-extracted cottonseed meal (CSM) as a potential replacement for fishmeal (FM) in aquafeeds for juvenile cobia Rachycentron canadum. Five isonitrogenous (41% crude protein) and isolipidic (11% crude lipid) diets were formulated with 0 (i.e., the full fishmeal diet, as Control), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the dietary protein from FM replaced by methanol-extracted CSM with L-lysine (L-Lys) and DL-methionine (DL-Met) and supplemented to the established requirement levels for cobia. Diets were fed to triplicate groups of juvenile fish with an average initial weight (±SEM) of 11.35 ± 0.23 g/fish for 9 weeks. Percent weight gain (WG), feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed diets with 25% and 50% of FM protein replaced by methanol-extracted CSM were higher or comparable to those of fish fed the Control diet. Those responses were gradually reduced with increasing levels of CSM substitution, resulting in significant (p < 0.05) negative linear trends. Condition factor (CF) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) values significantly decreased with increasing dietary CSM inclusion, as did whole-body protein and lipid composition. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) of fish fed CSM diets were not significantly different compared to that of fish fed the Control diet. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, as well as serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities from fish fed diets with 50% or greater of CSM were lower than those of fish fed the Control and CSM25 diets. These results indicated that the inclusion of CSM did not induce any apparent stress on juvenile cobia. Additionally, methanol-extracted CSM with Lys and Met supplementation was able to replace up to 20~30% of crude protein provided by FM in the diet of cobia without drastically affecting the growth performance or body composition.

Single-cell ingredients (SCI) are considered promising nutrient sources which are produced using environmentally friendly biotechnological processes. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the replacement of fishmeal, plant protein sources, and fish oil with SCI in organic feeds for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Bacterial protein, yeast protein, and microalgae were used to replace fishmeal trimmings, soya bean meal, and fish oil from trimmings. Triplicate groups (30 fish per replicate) of European sea bass (14.4 ± 2.4 g) were fed the experimental diets for 71 days. The results showed that the incorporation of SCI at all levels of inclusion significantly enhanced nutrient digestibility. Additionally, growth performance parameters were not affected by SCI inclusion, exhibiting similar or improved values. Moreover, a tendency for improved anterior and posterior gut structure was observed and a significant increase of lysozyme activity at the two highest inclusion levels of SCI was determined. Overall, the results showed that the inclusion of SCI at 15% (bacterial: yeast: algae—9.4: 4.7: 1) is possible without compromising any of the parameters evaluated. According to these findings, a higher substitution of fishmeal trimmings, plant protein sources, and fish oil from trimmings with SCI in organic diets for European sea bass (D. labrax) can be further evaluated in future studies.

Copyright of Journal of Hydrobiology is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Hydrobiology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Hydrobiology is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Hydrobiology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: The accelerated expansion of shrimp farming requires protein sources with high nutritional value to formulate feeds that satisfy shrimp nutritional requirements. Fishmeal (FM) is the main protein source for aquafeed formulations. However, its limited supply and high cost encourage research on alternative protein sources to formulate more profitable feeds that contribute to aquaculture sustainability. Soybean meal (SBM) and poultry by-product meal (PBM) have been used as protein sources for replacing fishmeal, but their essential amino acids imbalance contributes to low shrimp growth performance and affect shrimp health. Therefore, the study purpose was to evaluate the effect of FM replacement by SBM and PBM in diets supplemented with DL-Met, MET-MET (AQUAVI®), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 (ECOBIOL®) and their combinations on growth performance and health of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. The results showed that FM could be partially replaced with SBM and PBM in shrimp feeds supplemented with 0.19% MET-MET or 0.06% MET-MET plus 0.10% B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 without adversely affecting the growth performance and welfare of Litopenaeus vannamei. These results may be interesting for developing low fishmeal feeds and contributing to aquaculture sustainability. An 8-week feeding trial investigated the effect of Fishmeal (FM) replacement by soybean meal (SBM) and poultry by-product meal (PBM) in diets supplemented with DL-Met, MET-MET (AQUAVI®), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 (ECOBIOL®) and their combinations on growth performance and health of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of six experimental diets were formulated according to L. vannamei nutritional requirements. A total of 480 shrimp (0.30 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed into 24 tanks (4 repetitions/each diet, 20 shrimp/tank). Shrimp were fed with control diet (CD; 200 g/Kg fishmeal) and five diets with 50% FM replacement supplemented with different methionine sources, probiotic (B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940) and their combinations: D1 (0.13% DL-MET), D2 (0.06% MET-MET), D3 (0.19% MET-MET), D4 (0.13% DL-MET plus 0.10% B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 and D5 (0.06% MET-MET plus 0.10% B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940). Shrimp fed D3 and D5 had significantly higher final, weekly weight gain, and final biomass compared to shrimp fed CD (p < 0.05). Shrimp fed D2 to D5 increased the hepatopancreas epithelial cell height (p < 0.05). Digestive enzymatic activities were significantly increased in shrimp hepatopancreas' fed D3 (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, shrimp fed D1 had significant downregulation of immune-related genes (p < 0.05). Moreover, shrimp fed D3 and D5 increased the abundance of beneficial prokaryotic microorganisms such as Pseudoalteromonas and Demequina related to carbohydrate metabolism and immune stimulation. Also, shrimp fed D3 and D5 increased the abundance of beneficial eukaryotic microorganism as Aurantiochytrium and Aplanochytrium were related to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production which plays a role in growth promoting or boosting the immunity of aquatic organisms. Therefore, fishmeal could be partially substituted up to 50% by SBM and PBM in diets supplemented with 0.19% MET-MET (AQUAVI®) or 0.06% MET-MET (AQUAVI®) plus 0.10% B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 (ECOBIOL®) and improve the productive performance, health, and immunity of white shrimp. Further research is necessary to investigate synergistic effects of amino acids and probiotics in farmed shrimp diets, as well as to evaluate how SBM and PBM influence the fatty acid composition of reduced fishmeal diets and shrimp muscle quality. Nevertheless, this information could be interesting to develop low fishmeal feeds for aquaculture without affecting the growth and welfare of aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the use of fishmeal (FM) in shrimp feed means significant savings in the amount of FM consumed globally and subsequently reducing production costs and environmental impacts. Insect meal (IM) is one of the protein sources to replace FM in aquafeeds. In this regard, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of replacing FM with mealworm (MW, Tenebrio molitor) on the growth performance, haemolymph biochemical responses, and innate immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimps with a mean weight of 7.41 ± 0.13 gram were cultured in 300-liter fiberglass tanks (with a useful drainage volume of 200 liters) with a density of 20 shrimp per tank over a period of 60 days. Dietary treatments, including the control treatment (no mealworm; T0), 15% (T15), 30% (T30), 60% (T60), and 100% (T100) level of replacing FM with mealworm (MW), each with three replications, were investigated in the form of a randomized design. The results of this study showed a significant difference in body weight gain (BWG), feed efficiency (FE), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and hepatopancreas index (HPI) among the treatments (P < 0.05). With the increase of the replacement of FM with MW up to 30%, BWG, FE, and HPI were significantly increased then reduced. The levels of cholesterol (Chol), triglycerides (Tg), and glucose (Glu) showed a decreasing trend with increasing replacement of FM with MW and revealed a significant difference with the control treatment at high levels of replacement (P < 0.05). Besides, the results showed that replacing FM with MW had a significant effect on the activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD), phenol oxidase (PO), lysozyme (LZM), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the total count of hemocytes (THC) in the practical diets compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Overall, the findings suggest that MW is a promising alternative protein source for L. vannamei, as it enhances both growth performance and the immune system. The study recommends the use of MW in the diet of farmed species in the aquaculture industry, given its lack of adverse impacts on growth performance and its potential to reduce environmental consequences resulting from its production. The results also underscore the importance of exploring alternative protein sources to reduce dependence on FM and enhance sustainability in the aquaculture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of Tenebrio molitor meal (TMM), Hermetia illucens meal (HIM), Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP), Methylococcus capsulatus meal (MCM), Chlorella vullgaris meal (CVM), Cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) and Peruvian fishmeal (PFM) were determined in juvenile hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀xEpinephelus lanceolatu♂). A basal diet (including 50% fishmeal) and seven test diets (700 g/kg of the basal diet and 300 g/kg of each test ingredient) were formulated with 0.1% yttrium oxide (Y2O3) as an inert marker. The juvenile hybrid groupers, with initial average body weight of (9.95±0.50) g, were randomly distributed into 0.3 m³ fiberglass tanks, each tank with 30 fish. The faeces samples were collected twice-daily by siphoning following feeding fish after five days of domestication. The ADCs of dry matter of seven test ingredients were ranked as CVM>TMM=CAP=CPC>HIM=MCM=PFM (P<0.05). CVM showed the highest ADCs of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and most amino acids (including methionine and threonine) except crude lipids (CL), whereas HIM had the relatively lower ADCs of DM, CP and most amino acids except CL. CAP had a higher lysine digestibility than the other six test ingredients, and was only lower than CVM in the ADC of CP. The ADC of DM in PFM was significantly lower than that in CVM (P<0.05), and showed no differences with that in CAP (P>0.05). Besides, PFM showed a lower ADC of CP than the ADCs of CP in CVM, CAP and MCM (P<0.05), and showed a lower ADC of lysine than that in CAP as well as a lower ADC of threonine than those in CAP and CVM (P<0.05). Overall, this study showed the advantage of CVM and CAP among the seven protein sources on the digestibility of feed available in hybrid grouper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Barh) bacteria meal (MBM, FeedKind®) replaces fishmeal (FM) on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of Trachinotus ovatus (initial mean weight 34.88±1.13 g) were conducted through a 56-day breeding trial. MBM at 0, 3%, 7% and 10.5% were added to replace fishmeal at 0, 10%, 20% and 30%, to formulate four isonitrogenous and isolipidic feeds named MBM0, MBM10, MBM20 and MBM30, respectively. The results of the experiment showed that there was no significant difference in the final mean weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, survival rate, hepatosomatic index, visceral index and feed factor between the groups as the MBM content in the diets increased (P>0.05). The condition factor of the MBM30 group was significantly higher than that of the MBM0 group (P<0.05). The crude protein content of whole fish in each group was not significantly different (P>0.05), while the crude fat content of whole fish in the MBM20 group was significantly higher than that in the MBM0 and MBM10 groups (P<0.05). The crude fat content of dorsal muscle in the MBM20 and MBM30 groups was significantly higher than that in the MBM0 group (P<0.05), and there was a significant positive correlation between the crude fat content in dorsal muscle and the proportion of fishmeal replaced by MBM (P<0.05). Serum triglycerides were significantly lower in the MBM20 and MBM30 groups than those in MBM0 group (P<0.05), serum glutathione transaminase activity was significantly higher in the MBM20 group than that in the MBM0 group (P<0.05), and serum albumin was significantly higher in the MBM10 group than those in MBM0 group (P<0.05). Total serum antioxidant capacity in MBM20 group was not significantly different with the MBM0 group (P> 0.05), while significantly higher than that in the MBM10 and MBM30 groups (P<0.05). Intestinal superoxide dis-mutase activity in the MBM20 group was significantly higher than that in the rest of the groups (P<0.05). Vacuolar area in liver through H&E-stained was significantly higher in the MBM20 and MBM30 groups than that in the MBM0 group (P<0.05). In conclusion, at 35% fishmeal content in the basal diet, MBM could replace 20%-30% of fishmeal without negatively affecting growth performance, morphological indices, body composition and serum biochemical indices of Trachinotus ovatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to investigate the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of nutrients in commonly used protein sources for largemouth bass. A reference diet and test diets with 70% reference diet and 30% feedstuff were formulated with yttrium oxide as a digestibility indicator. Overall, the ADC of dry matter of tested protein ingredients was 69.5%–96.4%, and the ADC of dry matter in animal protein sources was significantly higher than in the other five plant protein sources. The ADC of crude proteins ranged from 89.1% to 97.3% for all tested feedstuffs. The ADC value of total amino acids in the tested ingredients is consistent with that of the protein. The ADC of crude lipid of tested ingredients ranged from 45.4% to 96.2%, and the lowest and highest values were observed in porcine haemoglobin powder and pet‐grade poultry by‐product meal, respectively. The ADC of total phosphorus of animal protein ingredients, except porcine haemoglobin powder, was significantly higher than that of plant protein ingredients, except fermented soybean meal. The results revealed the difference in availability of nutrients in plant and animal protein sources for largemouth bass, which could provide a theoretical basis for the selection of protein sources of commercial feed for largemouth bass. [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]

Artemisinin (ART) is a kind of Chinese herbal medicine worth exploring, which obtains various physiological activities. In order to study the prebiotic effect of ART on Litopenaeus vannamei fed cottonseed protein concentrate meal diets, six groups of isonitrogenous and isolipid diets were prepared (including the fish meal control group, FM; cottonseed protein concentrate replacing 30% fishmeal protein and supplementing ART groups: ART0, ART0.3, ART0.6, ART0.9, and ART1.2). The feeding trials was lasted for 56 days. The results showed that the final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate of the ART0.6 group were the highest, yet the feed coefficient rate of the ART0.6 group was the lowest significantly (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in survival rate among treatments (P > 0.05). In serum, the content of malondialdehyde in ART0 group was the highest (P < 0.05); the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, phenol oxidase and lysozyme increased firstly and then decreased among the ARTs groups (P < 0.05). The activities of intestinal digestive enzymes (including the trypsin, lipase and amylase) showed an upward trend among the ARTs groups (P < 0.05). The histological sections showed that the intestinal muscle thickness, fold height and fold width in the FM group were significantly better than those in the ART0 group; while the mentioned above morphological indexes in the ART0 group were significantly lowest among the ARTs groups (P < 0.05). Sequencing of intestinal microbiota suggested that the microbial richness indexes firstly increased and then decreased (P < 0.05); the bacterial community structure of each treatment group was almost close; the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria decreased significantly (P < 0.05), such as the Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria at phylum level, besides the Vibrio and Candidatus Bacilloplasma at genus level. In intestinal tissue, the relative expression levels of TOLL1, TRAF6 and Pehaeidih3 showed up-regulated trends, while the expression of Crustin and LZM firstly up-regulated and then down-regulated (P < 0.05). The challenge experiment suggested that the cumulative mortality of FM group was significantly lower than that of ART0 group; besides the cumulative mortality firstly increased and then decreased between the ARTs groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of ART can improve the growth, antioxidant capacity, immune response, gut health and disease resistance of the shrimp. To be considered as a dietary immune enhancer, the recommended supplementation level of ART in shrimp's cottonseed protein concentrate meal diets is 0.43%. • Artemisinin (ART) is a kind of Chinese herbal medicine worth exploring, which obtains various physiological activities. • Based on the growth investigation, the recommended supplementary level of ART is 0.43%. • ART supplementation improved growth, serum antioxidant and immunity, digestive capacity, intestine and hepatopancreas morphology, intestinal immune-related gene expression, and disease resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Pacific white shrimp fed with cottonseed protein concentrate meal diets. • The microbial sequencing also excavated the beneficial effect of ART supplementation on shrimp intestinal health by reducing the abundance of opportunistic pathogens (Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria at phylum level; Vibrio and Candidatus Bacilloplasma at genus level). • ART can be considered as a potentially dietary immune enhancer to fortify shrimp fed with reducing-fishmeal diets, providing reference of dietary immunomodulating enhancer for shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding bile acids to low fishmeal diet on the growth, nutrient utilization and serum biochemical parameters of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. First, a positive and a negative control diet were formulated to contain 200 g/kg fishmeal (FM20) and 140 g/kg FM (FM14), respectively. Then, bile acids were added to FM14 diet at the inclusion levels of 75 (BA75), 150 (BA150) and 300 (BA300) mg/kg. The five isoproteic and isolipidic diets were fed to shrimp with initial weight of 1.09 ± 0.01 g for 56 days. The results showed no significant difference in survival among all the groups (>90 %). Compared to FM20 group, the weight gain (−12.9 %), body crude protein content, apparent digestibility of dry matter and protein, bile acid content in hepatopancreas and serum were decreased significantly, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) was increased by 0.17 in FM14 group (P 0.05), reaching the similar levels to FM20 group (P > 0.05). Especially, the FCR of BA150 group was significantly lower (−0.16) than that of FM14 group (P

To study the dietary prebiotic role of Sulfate-Based alginate polysaccharide (SAP) in cottonseed protein concentrate-based diets, six iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipid feeds were prepared to feed grouper, including a fishmeal control group (FM) was set at 50% fishmeal level, on this basis 5 groups replacing 50% fishmeal protein with cottonseed protein concentrate and supplementing sulfate-based alginate polysaccharide 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% (SAP0, SAP1, SAP2, SAP3 and SAP4 groups). The healthy and vigorous grouper (initial weight = 8.63 ± 0.01 g) were selected and randomly divided into 6 treatment groups in triplicates (30 fish in each repetition). The feeding experiment was conducted for 8 weeks, followed by a one-week Vibrio harveyi challenge. The experimental results showed that the weight gain and specific growth rate reached the significant maximums in SAP2 and SAP3 groups (P

The present study investigated the effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSF) on haemolymph biochemical indicators, muscle metabolites as well as the lipid and glucose metabolism of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Four diets were formulated in which the control diet contained 25 % of fishmeal (FM) and 10 % (BSF10), 20 % (BSF20), and 30 % (BSF30) of FM protein were replaced with BSF. Four hundred and eighty shrimp (0·88 ± 0·00 g) were distributed to four groups of three replicates and fed for 7 weeks. Results showed that growth performance of shrimp fed BSF30 significantly decreased compared with those fed FM, but there was no significant difference in survival among groups. The whole shrimp crude lipid content, haemolymph TAG and total cholesterol were decreased with the increasing BSF inclusion. The results of metabolomics showed that the metabolite patterns of shrimp fed different diets were altered, with significant changes in metabolites related to lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism as well as TCA cycle. The mRNA expressions of hk, pfk, pk, pepck, ampk, mcd, cpt-1 and scd1 in hepatopancreas were downregulated in shrimp fed BSF30, but mRNA expression of acc1 was upregulated. Unlike BSF30, the mRNA expressions of fas, cpt-1, fbp and 6pgd in hepatopancreas were upregulated in shrimp fed BSF20. This study indicates that BSF20 diet promoted lipid synthesis and lipolysis, while BSF30 diet weakened β-oxidation and glycolysis as well as affected the unsaturated fatty acids synthesis, which may affect the growth performance and body composition of shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of enhancing the dietary substitution of fishmeal (FM) with corn protein concentrate (CPC) in the diets of red hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis sp., by blending CPC with soy protein concentrate (SPC) and adding betaine‐HCl and dried basil leaves (DBL; feeding attractants). Seven isonitrogenous diets [FM100‐CPC0‐SPC0 (control); FM25‐CPC75‐SPC0 (75% of FM replaced by CPC); FM25‐CPC50‐SPC25 (50% and 25% of FM replaced by CPC and SPC, respectively); FM25‐CPC50‐SPC25B (with 0.5% betaine and 2% DBL); FM0‐CPC100‐SPC0 (100% diet protein from CPC); FM0‐CPC75‐SPC25 (75% and 25% of FM replaced by CPC and SPC, respectively) and FM0‐CPC75‐SPC25B (with 0.5% betaine and 2% DBL)] were formulated. Triplicate groups of tilapia fingerlings (average initial weight, 7.31 ± 0.03 g) were fed one of the diets for 56 days. The effects of high dietary levels of plant protein concentrate (PPC) on growth, nutrient utilization, body composition, body colouration and gut histology of tilapia were investigated. High levels of dietary CPC significantly (p < 0.05) reduced fish growth and feed intake. Blending CPC with SPC restored the growth performance of tilapia at the 75% PPC inclusion level. The addition of palatability enhancers further improved the growth of tilapia fed high PPC‐based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 90-day experiment was conducted with four-month-old juvenile tench to test seven diets differing in replacement level of fishmeal (FM) by soy protein concentrate (SPC): 0% (control diet), 45%, 55%, 65%, 75%, 85% or 100% corresponding to 0, 312, 383, 451.6, 521.7, 590 or 695 g SPC kg−1 diet, respectively. Methionine and arginine supplementation was included from substitution levels of 55% and above to reach similar values to those provided by the control diet. Survival rate was close to 100%. The highest total length (TL) and weight (W) were reached with the control diet without significant differences from 45% to 55% diets. Significant lower TL, specific growth rate and daily increment in total length were obtained with 65% or higher replacement levels. The percentages of fish with externally visible deformities ranged from 0% to 9.3%, being higher with 75%, 85% and 100% replacement diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]