Feed Additives in Aquaculture

A special issue of Fishes (ISSN 2410-3888). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Feeding".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2024 | Viewed by 8126

Special Issue Editors

Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling FK94LA, UK
Interests: crustacean; phospholipids; sustainable aquaculture; aquaculture welfare; aquaculture nutrition; feed additives; interaction of aquaculture feed and the environment; aquaponics
Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling FK94LA, UK
Interests: fish nutrition; broodstock and larvae nutrition; nutritional programming; antioxidants and oxidative stress; selenium and micronutrients
College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
Interests: aquaculture nutrition; carotenoids metabolism in crustaceans; live food cultivatology; functional feed additive

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaculture feeds usually account for between 50 and 70% of the total operational costs for fisheries, making them an important investment for many farms worldwide. In order to successfully grow aquatic species in a business setting, several factors must be considered; however, nutritionally balanced feed is at the forefront. Feed additives have been used to improve feed efficiency in aquaculture species, enhancing their growth performance and immune response, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics that may be considered harmful for the environment.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. We especially encourage the submission of manuscripts on feed additives used in aquaculture.

Dr. Amina Moss
Dr. Pauline Wischhusen
Dr. Weilong Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fishes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • functional feed additives
  • crustacean aquaculture
  • environmental stressors
  • fish immunology
  • nutrigenomics
  • aquaculture nutrition
  • phytobiotic compounds
  • antimicrobial properties
  • probiotics
  • prebiotics

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 312 KiB  
Article
Exogenous β-Propeller Phytase and Prebiotic Mannan Oligosaccharide (MOS) Supplementation of Formulated Diets Applied to Juvenile Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: Impact on Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility
by Othman Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, Saber Abdelkader Saïdi, Ameny Farhat-Khemakhem, Sofiane Ghorbel, Hichem Chouayekh, Pierfrancesco Cerruti and Mohamed Salah Azaza
Fishes 2023, 8(12), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8120574 - 24 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1059
Abstract
The growth of the aquafeed sector is highly dependent upon the availability of fish feed with a balanced nutritional composition. The use of prebiotics and probiotics can be an effective solution to increase the bioavailability of feed components. In this study, we evaluated [...] Read more.
The growth of the aquafeed sector is highly dependent upon the availability of fish feed with a balanced nutritional composition. The use of prebiotics and probiotics can be an effective solution to increase the bioavailability of feed components. In this study, we evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with β-propeller phytase (0, 600, 1200, 1800 and 2400 U/kg) from Bacillus and mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) (0, 2, 4 and 8 g/kg) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of Nile tilapia over 45 days. The findings showed that adding phytase significantly (p < 0.05) increases the growth performance and nutrient digestibility; the 1200 and 1800 U/kg PHY levels showed the maximum weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) and best feed conversion ratio (FCR). Furthermore, phytase increases carcass mineral composition (phosphate and calcium). At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences among all feeding groups in survival rates (above 90%). Regarding MOS inclusion, insignificant differences were seen in WG, SGR and SR. However, significant effects of MOS were observed on FCR, feed intake (FI) and PER when supplemented at 4 and 8 g/kg of feed. Taken together, our results suggest that supplementation of Nile tilapia feed with adequate amounts of β-propeller phytase from Bacillus and MOS increases growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Aquaculture)
14 pages, 2085 KiB  
Article
Growth Performance, Feed Utilisation, Digestive and Metabolic Enzyme Activity, and Liver Morphohistology in Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus) Juveniles Fed with the Inclusion of Chitosan in Their Diet
by Yuniel Méndez-Martínez, Alan Rodrigo Vera-Veliz, Edilmar Cortés-Jacinto, Yanis Cruz-Quintana, Aroldo Botello-Leon, Pedro Daniel Mendoza-Carranza and Natalia S. Calvo
Fishes 2023, 8(11), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8110546 - 09 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1237
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance, feed utilisation, digestive and metabolic enzyme activity, and liver histology in juveniles of hybrid red tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus) fed with the inclusion of chitosan in their diet. Six dietary chitosan [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance, feed utilisation, digestive and metabolic enzyme activity, and liver histology in juveniles of hybrid red tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus) fed with the inclusion of chitosan in their diet. Six dietary chitosan levels (0 “control’’, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g kg−1) were used to feed juvenile fish (initial weight 7.50 ± 0.20 g) that were cultured for eight weeks in 18 tanks at a density of 15 fish/tank. The growth performance presented significant differences (p ˂ 0.05) for weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, hepatosomatic index, and survival rate. The digestive and metabolic enzyme activities were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the levels of chitosan in the administered diet. Histologically, no damage was found in the liver; however, morphometrically, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in the hepatocyte area and sinusoid area. Vacuolisation of hepatocytes was found in treatments with 40 and 50 g kg−1 of chitosan in the diet. Treatments with doses of chitosan showed a better response (p < 0.05) compared to the control treatment in most of the different groups of variables analysed. The result of the principal component analysis suggests that a diet containing 40 g kg−1 of chitosan is optimal for tilapia growth performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Aquaculture)
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10 pages, 1142 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Genetic and Dietary Factors Influencing Foot Muscle Color and Growth in Haliotis gigantea
by Yizhou Ke, Wencui Zeng, Xiaolong Gao, Mingyi Cai and Weiwei You
Fishes 2023, 8(9), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8090443 - 31 Aug 2023
Viewed by 819
Abstract
Haliotis gigantea, a commercially cultivated abalone in China, predominantly displays the pale-yellow-footed trait. However, a limited occurrence of the orange-footed muscle trait makes it a valuable candidate for breeding programs. In our research, we examined the inheritance pattern of the orange-footed trait [...] Read more.
Haliotis gigantea, a commercially cultivated abalone in China, predominantly displays the pale-yellow-footed trait. However, a limited occurrence of the orange-footed muscle trait makes it a valuable candidate for breeding programs. In our research, we examined the inheritance pattern of the orange-footed trait and conducted a 90-day feeding trial for H. gigantea to compare the influence of formulated feed and macroalgae on pigment enrichment and growth rates. Our results suggest that the orange-footed trait has a recessive nature relative to its common counterpart and demonstrates stable inheritance. We also identified a significant correlation between color-difference values (a*) and total carotenoid content (TCC) (R2 = 0.955, p < 0.05), suggesting the TCC in abalone foot muscle can be estimated using the a* value. Furthermore, introducing carotenoids to formulated feed imparts an orange hue to the foot muscle, but this effect is inferior compared to using Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis with a similar carotenoid content. This suggests that H. gigantea has a higher absorption efficiency for the carotenoids from the macroalgae G. lemaneiformis compared to formulated feed. Growth assessments indicate that the formulated feed, enriched with higher crude protein than G. lemaneiformis, optimally supports H. gigantea growth. Our findings furnish valuable insights that could steer breeding strategies and feeding practices towards achieving the orange-footed muscle trait in H. gigantea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Aquaculture)
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19 pages, 378 KiB  
Article
Potential Effects of Microalgae-Supplemented Diets on the Growth, Blood Parameters, and the Activity of the Intestinal Microbiota in Sparus aurata and Mugil cephalus
by Jorge García-Márquez, Marta Domínguez-Maqueda, Miguel Torres, Isabel M. Cerezo, Eva Ramos, Francisco Javier Alarcón, Juan Miguel Mancera, Juan Antonio Martos-Sitcha, Miguel Ángel Moriñigo and María Carmen Balebona
Fishes 2023, 8(8), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8080409 - 09 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1058
Abstract
This work aimed to assess the suitability of a microalgal blend as a dietary ingredient for feeding juveniles of marine carnivorous and herbivorous teleost, as is the case of Sparus aurata and Mugil cephalus, respectively, and to isolate microorganisms from different media [...] Read more.
This work aimed to assess the suitability of a microalgal blend as a dietary ingredient for feeding juveniles of marine carnivorous and herbivorous teleost, as is the case of Sparus aurata and Mugil cephalus, respectively, and to isolate microorganisms from different media and characterize them on the base of their enzymatic activities and their antagonism against important fish pathogens. Thirty juveniles of each species (70 ± 3.2 g S. aurata mean weight and 47 ± 2.8 g M. cephalus mean weight) were distributed in four tanks (15 individuals each) corresponding to four independent dietary treatments (control and microalgae diets designed for each species). Fish were fed their corresponding diets ad libitum for 108 days. At the end of the trial, fish were weighed, and plasma, liver, perivisceral fat, and the entire intestines were obtained for the evaluation of growth performance and metabolic assessment. Furthermore, 117 bacterial strains were isolated in different culture media from the gastrointestinal tract of S. aurata fed the microalgae blend and further characterized for their potential use as probiotics in aquaculture. S. aurata fed the microalgae-supplemented diet (25% dietary inclusion) showed a significant increase in weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, hepatosomatic, and intestine length indices. However, growth performance and somatic indices in M. cephalus were not affected by the experimental diets. Plasma samples from S. aurata fed the microalgal diet revealed higher levels of glucose and triglycerides and a decrease in cortisol levels. No significant differences were found in any biochemical parameters among the experimental diets in M. cephalus. In conclusion, both species demonstrated a favorable adaptation to the nutritional formulation employed in this study, and bacterial strains UMA-169 and UMA-216 (both identified as Bacillus pumilus) could be considered for use in aquaculture as they might benefit host health by improving digestion and absorption of different energy sources and by minimizing the colonization of pathogenic species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Aquaculture)
12 pages, 611 KiB  
Article
Profiling a New Postbiotic Product for Its Application in Fish Aquaculture
by Mario Quintanilla-Pineda, Jesús Díaz, Ana Gutiérrez-Falcon, Francisco C. Ibañez and Florencio Marzo
Fishes 2023, 8(6), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8060304 - 06 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1255
Abstract
Weissella cibaria is a lactic acid bacteria that has been receiving great interest in the last decade; however, its research into aquaculture remains insufficient. In this context, the resistance to pH 3–5, bile salts (10–20%), hydrophobicity, and carbohydrate metabolisms of two W. cibaria [...] Read more.
Weissella cibaria is a lactic acid bacteria that has been receiving great interest in the last decade; however, its research into aquaculture remains insufficient. In this context, the resistance to pH 3–5, bile salts (10–20%), hydrophobicity, and carbohydrate metabolisms of two W. cibaria strains isolated from rainbow trout were evaluated. At the same time, the postbiotic products of both W. cibaria were produced under different conditions, and their stability to heat (95–130 °C) and proteolytic enzymes were determined. The low pH sensitivity of two pathogens (Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida and Yersinia ruckeri) was also recorded. Both strains of W. cibaria survived pH and bile salt treatments. Neither expressed enzymatic activity or hydrophobic characteristics with the executed methods. Treatment with heat, enzymes, and transfer to vegetal broth significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the postbiotic product’s antibacterial activity. On the other hand, no significant difference (p < 0.05) was reported in antibacterial characteristics when postbiotics were produced by coculturing both strains. Low pH does not significantly influence pathogen growth (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the studied strains do not adjust as probiotics, but the postbiotic product obtained from them could become a promising tool as a supplement food for fish aquaculture applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Aquaculture)
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16 pages, 2943 KiB  
Article
Dietary Effects of Nano Curcumin on Growth Performances, Body Composition, Blood Parameters and Histopathological Alternation in Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) Challenged with Aspergillus flavus
by El-Sayed Hemdan Eissa, Bothaina A. Alaidaroos, Samyah D. Jastaniah, Mohammad Bodrul Munir, Manal E. Shafi, Yasmin M. Abd El-Aziz, Walaa K. Bazina, Saadiah binti Ibrahim, Moaheda E. H. Eissa, Marina Paolucci, Fatima S. Alaryani, Nadia N. B. Abd El-Hamed, Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack and Saadea Saadony
Fishes 2023, 8(4), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8040208 - 17 Apr 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1790
Abstract
This research examined the role of nano curcumin (NC) on growth performances, body composition, and blood parameters of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) challenged with Aspergillus flavus. Fish (5.0 g ± 0.30) were randomly distributed in four equal groups (20 fish per [...] Read more.
This research examined the role of nano curcumin (NC) on growth performances, body composition, and blood parameters of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) challenged with Aspergillus flavus. Fish (5.0 g ± 0.30) were randomly distributed in four equal groups (20 fish per pond in triplicates) and fed various concentrations of NC fortified with 0 (Control), 40 mg/kg (NC1), 50 mg/kg (NC2), and 60 mg/kg diet (NC3) of nano curcumin. After eight weeks of the feeding trial, the fish were challenged with A. flavus for 15 days, and the cumulative mortality was recorded. Fish fed with different concentrations of NC improved significantly (p < 0.05) the growth performances, feed utilization, and survival rate. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference between NC2 and NC3 treatments. However, NC3 exhibited higher performances. Fish feed supplemented with NC decreased the mortality rate when challenged with A. flavus. Hence, dietary supplementation of NC enhanced the growth and health status of Oreochromis sp. and protected it from A. flavus infection. This study suggests the optimum inclusion level of NC is a 50–60 mg/kg diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Aquaculture)
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