Search Results (94)

Restaurants and open markets generate considerable quantities of organic waste. Converting these residues into poultry feed ingredients offers a sustainable disposal route. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and sensory viability of a novel feed complement formulated from Bonito fish meal (Sarda chiliensis chiliensis) and Única potato peel flour (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Única). This study was conducted in three phases: (i) production and nutritional characterization of the two by-product flours; (ii) formulation of a 48:52 (w/w) blend, incorporated into broiler diets at 15%, 30%, and 45% replacement levels over a 7-week trial divided into starter (3 weeks), grower (3 weeks), and finisher (1 week) phases; and (iii) assessment of growth performance (weight gain, final weight, and feed conversion ratio), followed by a sensory evaluation of the resulting meat using a Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) analysis. The Bonito fish meal exhibited 50.78% protein, while the Única potato peel flour was rich in carbohydrates (74.08%). The final body weights of broiler chickens ranged from 1872.1 to 1886.4 g across treatments, and the average feed conversion ratio across all groups was 0.65. Replacing up to 45% of commercial feed with the formulated complement did not significantly affect growth performance (p > 0.05). Sensory analysis revealed that meat from chickens receiving 15% and 45% substitution levels was preferred in terms of aroma and taste, whereas the control group was rated higher in appearance. These findings suggest that the formulated feed complement may represent a viable poultry-feed alternative with potential sensory and economic benefits, supporting future circular-economy strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with rising incidence in younger adults. Unhealthy diets high in red and processed meat and low in fiber are key modifiable risk factors, highlighting the need for preventive nutritional strategies targeting CRC through dietary interventions. Methods: A one-day sample diet for colorectal cancer prevention, consisting of fiber-rich meals excluding red meat and incorporating whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean protein alternatives (such as fish and poultry), was developed. Its acceptability was assessed in a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire among healthy Romanian adults aged 18–50, with a total of 395 included participants. Results: Of the 395 respondents meeting the inclusion criteria (aged 18–50, no cancer or chronic gastrointestinal disorders), 63.5% were females, predominantly urban (90.1%), and highly educated. Mean age was 32.4 years; mean BMI was 25.07 kg/m². The proposed colorectal cancer-preventive diet was rated as “quite attractive” and “very attractive” by 74.9% of participants. All meals received high ratings, with dinner and the first snack being most favored. Most respondents (77.2%) found the diet satisfying and the satiety level and energy adequate, and 90.4% were willing to adopt it at least a few times per week. Financial accessibility was affirmed by 77.2% of the respondents. However, 61.8% reported difficulty eliminating red meat consumption. Female participants rated the diet significantly more attractive than males did (p = 0.041). Willingness to adopt the diet strongly correlated with higher acceptability (p < 0.0001), while BMI and education level showed no significant effect. Conclusions: The proposed colorectal cancer-preventive diet was well accepted by Romanian adults aged 18–50, with higher receptivity among women and those with higher education; willingness to adopt the diet at least a few days per week was high, especially among those psychologically ready for dietary change, while key barriers included red meat reduction and perceived cost, underscoring the need for gender-sensitive, culturally adapted interventions and further research on long-term adherence and clinical impact. Full article

Background: Aquaculture increasingly seeks sustainable alternatives to fishmeal, a key protein source in fish diets. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) meal is a promising substitute, but its effects on fish growth, immunity, and gut health need further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying BSFL inclusion levels on juvenile hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂), a widely farmed species in tropical aquaculture. Methods: Juvenile hybrid grouper were fed diets with four levels of BSFL substitution (0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%) over 56 days. Key metrics such as growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and gut transcriptome were analyzed. Results: Replacing fish meal with BSFL meal had no significant effect on the survival rate of hybrid grouper (p > 0.05) but significantly affected growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). BSFL10 and BSFL30 groups showed good growth and elevated immune enzyme activity, with significantly higher HIS levels (p < 0.05); the Wf of the BSFL10 group was comparable to the control. However, excessive replacement (BSFL50) led to reduced growth (Wf significantly lower, p < 0.05) and increased oxidative stress, as indicated by higher CAT activity (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of immune- and metabolism-related genes with increasing BSFL levels, with immune pathways notably activated in the BSFL50 group. Conclusions: BSFL meal is a promising alternative to fishmeal in juvenile hybrid grouper diets, with moderate inclusion (10–30%) being most beneficial. Excessive BSFL substitution (50%) may impair fish health, highlighting the need for careful formulation in aquaculture diets. Full article

Aquaculture advancement depends on alternative raw materials to reduce reliance on fishmeal (FM) and fish oil (FO) from extractive fisheries. Strategies like restricted feeding reduce costs and improve sustainability by minimizing feed waste and enhancing water quality, while selective breeding boosts growth and adapts fish to innovative diets. However, these measures may affect quality and shelf life. Gilthead seabream selected for high growth or non-selected were fed in 500 L tanks for 300 days until apparent satiety (AS) or with food restrictions (85AS or 65AS) using a control diet with low FM and FO balanced with vegetable ingredients, and an alternative diet (ALT) where FM was substantially replaced with insect, poultry by-product, feather, and porcine blood meals, while FO was completely replaced by microalgae, poultry, and salmon by-product oils. The ALT diet improved EPA + DHA levels, n-3/n-6 ratio, and fillet hardness. The selected fish outperformed the non-selected ones in growth and were more resilient to ALT diet and feeding restrictions. The 85AS feeding strategy optimized fillet quality by preventing lipid accumulation and muscle adaptations, as observed with the other feeding strategies. Combining sustainable feed formulations, genetic selection, and moderate feed restriction enables a viable, long-term strategy for high-quality, environmentally responsible seabream farming. Full article

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with papaya seeds (PSM), fish testes powder (FTP), and 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) on the reproductive parameters, growth performance, digestive enzymes, and histology of Cyprinus carpio. In the present study, fries (2–3 days old) were acclimatized for 2 days and then equally distributed into one control and six treatment groups and fed with one control and six experimental diets for 30 days, followed by a control diet for 60 days in each group with triplicates. These diets included control (T0), different levels of 17α-methyltestosterone (T1: 60 mg/kg; T2: 70 mg/kg), papaya seed powder (T3: 6 g/kg; T4: 7 g/kg), and fish (tilapia) testes powder (T5: 70%; T6: 80%). The treatment groups receiving papaya seed meal (PSM) showed significant improvements in growth performance, with a significant increase in final body weight. The best zootechnical performances (PER, SGR, and CF) were observed in fish fed with papaya seed compared to the control group. Reproductive analysis showed significant variations between treatment groups, with a large number of female C. carpio observed in the control group. Fish treated with T4 increased the sex percentage in favor of male fish by achieving 90% male phenotype followed by T6 with 88% male. Diets based on papaya seeds and fish testes powder significantly reduced the reproductive performance by reducing GSI, which affected the gonadal histology. The results revealed a visible effect of 17 α-MT and PSM feeding on the gonad structure. There were significant elevations in protease enzyme activity in T6 compared to the control (p < 0.05), and the highest amylase activity was observed in T3. Natural resources are not only more cost-effective but also environmentally friendly and readily available; they are a superior choice over synthetic alternatives for controlling the prolific breeding of C. carpio. Full article

As traditional protein sources such as soybean and fish meal become increasingly limited, there is growing interest in alternative protein sources, such as rapeseed meal, in aquaculture. This review offers an updated overview of rapeseed meal in fish diets, highlighting its nutritional value and impact on growth and the digestive tract. It also examines the effect of rapeseed meal supplementation on intestinal microflora, taking into account the latest trends in animal breeding focused on microbiota composition. While challenges exist in incorporating rapeseed meal into fish diets, its inclusion holds potential for improving sustainability and efficiency in aquaculture. However, its effects may vary depending on fish species, rearing conditions, and the level of inclusion in the diet. Based on this analysis, further research is recommended to explore the practical use of rapeseed meal as a reliable protein source in fish nutrition. Future studies should prioritize fish welfare and health, with an emphasis on natural methods, such as fermentation, to enhance the nutritional value of rapeseed meal. Consideration should also be given to incorporating activities, such as phytase supplementation, to enhance the use of rapeseed meal in fish feed. Full article

Soy protein concentrate (SPC) is a cost-effective alternative to fish meal (FM) in aquaculture, but its deficiency in essential amino acids, particularly methionine, limits its application. This study evaluated the effects of methionine supplementation on growth, liver and intestinal health, and muscle quality in hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × A. schrenckii ♂) fed SPC-based diets. Four diets were formulated: an FM control diet, and SPC diets supplemented with 0% (M0), 0.25% (M2.5), and 0.50% (M5) methionine. Replacing FM with SPC without methionine (M0) significantly reduced weight gain and the protein efficiency ratio (PER) while increasing the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and hepatic lipid accumulation. Methionine supplementation (M5) restored growth performance, the PER, and muscle texture to levels comparable to the FM group. Intestinal enzyme activities (lipase and trypsin), villus height, and goblet cell counts significantly improved in the M5 group. Gene expression analysis showed that M5 upregulated tight junction genes (claudin1, occludin) and anti-inflammatory genes (tgfβ, lysozyme) while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (il1β, il8). In the liver, M5 reduced oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and improved antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT) while optimizing lipid metabolism, as evidenced by lower triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. Muscle quality analysis showed that M5 significantly increased muscle hardness, chewiness, and fiber density compared to M0. In conclusion, methionine supplementation at 0.50% effectively mitigates the negative effects of SPC, improving growth, liver and intestinal health, and muscle quality in hybrid sturgeon. Full article

The poultry industry relies heavily on soybean meal to feed egg-laying chickens, but its high cost and price instability necessitate the exploration of more affordable and reliable alternatives. Fish bone meal, a nutritious byproduct from fish processing, offers high-quality protein and essential minerals, making it a promising addition to poultry diets. In this study, 240 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (31 weeks old, average weight 1.90 ± 0.1 kg, egg laying 11 weeks) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments for 12 weeks: one group received a regular diet, while the other was fed a diet containing 3% fish bone meal. Each treatment included 12 replicates with 10 hens per replicate, and all birds were maintained under identical environmental conditions using a completely randomized experimental design. The results showed that hens fed the fish bone meal diet produced more eggs (p < 0.05) and had heavier yolks (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Furthermore, intestinal health indicators, including villus height and crypt depth, were significantly improved (p < 0.05), along with enhanced immune markers (p < 0.05) in the fish bone meal group. However, no significant differences were observed in other egg quality parameters or feed conversion efficiency between the two groups (p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that fish bone meal can improve egg production, yolk quality, intestinal health, and immune function in laying hens. Full article

As the global demand for aquafeed ingredients continues to rise, sourcing sustainable alternatives is crucial for aquaculture industries. This study aimed to explore the potential of enzymatic hydrolysate as a substitute for traditional fishmeal and soybean meal in diets for juvenile sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus). Three isonitrogenous (15% crude protein) and isolipidic (2.4% crude lipid) diets were formulated: a control diet containing 10% fishmeal and 5% soybean meal and two experimental low-fishmeal (8%) and low-soybean meal (0%) diets, supplemented with either 8% enzymatically hydrolyzed fish stickwater (EFS) or 8% enzymatically hydrolyzed chicken pulp (ECP), designated as Control, EFS, and ECP, respectively. Juvenile sea cucumbers (initial body weight, 0.25 ± 0.01 g) were fed these diets for 84 days to evaluate the effects of ECP and EFS on their growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory responses. The results revealed significantly higher final weights and specific growth rates in both experimental groups than the control (p < 0.05). The proximate chemical compositions of sea cucumber were less affected by the diets (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, significantly elevated levels of digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and lysozyme, together with lower malondialdehyde levels, were recorded in the experimental groups (p < 0.05). ECP appeared to exhibit greater potency than EFS in enhancing growth performance and antioxidant capacity. Similar trends were observed in the mRNA expression of SOD, CAT, and inflammation-related genes across the groups. In a nutshell, both ECP and EFS supplemented in a low-fishmeal and low-soybean meal diet could effectively promote the growth and health of A. japonicus, with ECP showing a superior effect over EFS. These findings suggest that enzymatic hydrolysate demonstrates potential as a viable alternative to traditional fishmeal and soybean meal in diets for sustainable sea cucumber aquaculture. Further investigations are warranted to reveal its underlying mechanism. Full article

Tenebrio molitor (TM) meal is a potential alternative ingredient to plant and fishmeal in aquafeeds due to its high protein content, digestibility, and low environmental impact. However, its low n-3 PUFA (EPA and DHA) content represents one of its main limitations. This study evaluated the effects of replacing fishmeal and plant-derived ingredients (plant proteins and soybean oil) with full-fat TM meal on the growth performance and lipid composition of tissues in juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Four experimental diets, including 5–10% TM for replacing fishmeal and soybean oil (FM5 and FM10) and 10–20% TM for substituting plant protein ingredients and soybean oil (PI10 and PI20), were tested over 49 days against a control diet (CT). Fish fed on PI20 exhibited the highest growth performance (final weight: 49.73 g and SGR: 1.78% day−¹) compared to fish fed on FM (final weight: 47.0 g and SGR: 1.62% day−¹) and CT (final weight: 48.45 g and SGR: 1.71% day−¹). In general, the diets containing TM modulated the lipid profile in fish tissues by reducing the liver lipid content and muscle triglycerides and increasing the n-3/n-6 ratio compared to the CT diet. However, the most effective approach for modulating those parameters seems to be using the TM meal for replacing the plant ingredients instead of substituting fishmeal. Moreover, this feeding strategy, demonstrated to be useful for promoting the growth of fish owing to the use of the TM meal for replacing fishmeal, resulted in a slight reduction in the final weight of the fish. Full article

A 56-day feeding experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of substituting fish meal (FM) with chicken by-product meal (CBM) in diets on the growth and feed utilization of rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli). Six experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isolipidic. The control (Con) diet included 55% FM. In the Con diet, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of FM was replaced with CBM, named as the CBM₁₀, CBM₂₀, CBM₃₀, CBM₄₀, and CBM₅₀ diets, respectively. A total of 540 juvenile fish were distributed into 18 tanks (30 fish per tank and 3 tanks per diet) and fed to apparent satiation two times daily for 56 days. The weight gain and specific growth rate of rockfish fed the CBM₁₀ and CBM₂₀ diets were comparable to rockfish fed the Con diet. The feed consumption of rockfish fed the Con and CBM₁₀ diets was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than that of fish fed all other diets, except for the CBM₂₀ diet. However, protein retention, biometric indices, chemical composition, amino acid profiles, and plasma and serum parameters of rockfish were not significantly influenced by dietary FM substitution with CBM. The Con, CBM₁₀, and CBM₂₀ diets showed superior (p < 0.001) economic profit index (EPI) compared to the CBM₃₀, CBM₄₀, and CBM₅₀ diets. Conclusively, FM up to 20% could be substituted by CBM in diets without impairing growth, feed availability, chemical composition, amino acid profiles, and blood parameters of rockfish grown from 2.5 g to 12.5 g. However, the long-term effects of CBM substitution or the potential use of combined CBM and other alternative protein sources for FM in rockfish diets are needed in future. Full article

Corn and soybeans are commodities and ingredients of global interest, whose prices fluctuate based on global demands. In this sense, this study aimed to assess ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata) leaf meal (OLM) as an alternative to be included in the diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The optimal inclusion level of OLM in tilapia diets is investigated herein, aiming to improve their growth performance and health. Five diet variations containing OLM (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were tested. Feed conversion and protein efficiency rates in the 5% and 10% OLM groups were statistically similar to the control group (p ≤ 0.05) and lower in the 15% and 20% OLM groups. Fish fed 5% and 10% OLM diets showed better feed efficiency, while higher OLM levels (15% and 20%) led to reduced carcass protein and ether extract levels. Increasing OLM levels enhanced intestinal villi height and area, associated with improved nutrient absorption and decreased liver fat degeneration, suggesting dietary adaptation and healthier liver conditions. Thus, OLM can be included up to 10% in tilapia diets, improving their growth performance, feed efficiency, and intestinal absorptive capacity without adversely affecting other parameters. Full article

Weight regain within one year after weight loss is frequently observed and is referred to as yo-yo dieting or weight cycling. In this study, we explore the effects of yo-yo dieting on the liver, adipose tissue, and muscle characteristics of male zebrafish. Four-month-old AB wild-type male zebrafish were randomly assigned to three groups: high-calorie intake (H, seven meals per day), low-calorie intake (L, two meals per day), and yo-yo diet (the low- and high-calorie alternation switched every two weeks) groups. Feeding the fish the H diet for over 8 weeks led to steatosis and damage to the liver. The yo-yo diet reduced liver lipid accumulation at week eight but caused a similar degree of lipid accumulation as the H diet thereafter. It was found that twenty weeks of yo-yo dieting actually exacerbated hepatic damage. Compared to the L diet, feeding the fish on the yo-yo and H diets for a period of 20 weeks significantly increased the size of muscle fibers, resulting in higher speed during burst swimming and a significant increase in the size and number of adipocytes in the abdominal tissue. To summarize, short-term yo-yo dieting was found to attenuate hepatosteatosis and maintain fast-twitch muscle function. Long-term yo-yo dieting preserved fast-twitch muscle function and muscle fiber size; however, it exacerbated the pathological changes in the liver. Full article

In recent decades, the aquaculture industry has seen exponential growth worldwide, surpassing other food production sectors. This review aims to explore the dynamics of aqua feed production, particularly the shift from conventional to local feed production in Africa, driven by cost-effectiveness and the availability of raw materials. This review examines various scientific publications on aqua feed, focusing on both conventional and novel feed formulations and their impact on both small-scale and large-scale aquaculture. Commonly used aqua feed ingredients among African farmers include cassava, maize gluten, groundnut oilcake, sunflower oilcake, soybean meal, kale, peas, garlic, shrimp wastes, and waste blood. Novel ingredients such as insect-based diets, micro-algae, and fish discard formulations are also explored. Aqua feed composition impacts aqua waste, water quality, algae, oxygen demand, fish mortality, and eutrophication, and findings from literature reiterate the need to reorient feed formulation methods and ingredients to achieve a circular economy in Africa. This will entail promoting increased fish production at minimal costs and creating employment while supporting climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Ultimately, the aqua feed sector has the potential to grow sustainably through the adoption of feed alternatives that prioritize sustainable production and encourage beneficiation studies. Full article

In this study, an effective feather-degrading bacterium was isolated and the solid-state fermentation condition for feather degradation was optimized. The resulting fermented feather meal (FFM) was evaluated for its bioavailability in broilers. Four Bacillus strains were examined for feather degradation rates, with Bacillus velezensis PN1 exhibiting the highest rate (83.24%, p < 0.05). A 3 × 3 × 3 factorial design was used to test substrate moisture content (45%, 55%, 65%), temperature (27 °C, 37 °C, 47 °C), and incubation time (24, 48, 72 h) for optimized fermentation conditions. In vitro pepsin digestibility (IVPD) revealed a significant interaction between temperature and time (p < 0.05), and the optimal performance was achieved at 37 °C for 72 h, followed by 37 °C for 48 h. Considering production time and cost, FFM2 (produced with 65% moisture at 37 °C for 48 h) was further compared with FFM1 (produced under the same conditions but at a lower temperature of 27 °C), and commercial hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM). IVPD did not differ significantly between FFM1, FFM2, and HFM, as they all showed significantly higher digestibility compared to raw feathers (RFs). FFM1, as well as FFM2, had significantly higher histidine and lysine concentrations than RF (p < 0.05), while FFM2 had a significantly lower cysteine content (p < 0.05). Based on fermentation conditions and amino acid composition, FFM2 was considered more suitable for large-scale production and was used in a broiler growth trial. The inclusion of 5% FFM2 in the broiler diet did not significantly affect body weight at 35 days compared to the 5% HFM group (p > 0.05), although both groups showed significantly lower weight gain than the 5% fish meal (FM) group (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio and performance efficiency factor did not differ significantly between the FFM2, HFM, and FM groups (p > 0.05). In groups fed diets without supplemental crystalline amino acids, growth performance did not significantly differ between the HFM and FFM2 groups (p > 0.05), although both performed significantly worse than groups with amino acid supplementation. In conclusion, FFM produced by B. velezensis PN1 through solid-state fermentation enhances feather bioavailability in poultry and can completely replace HFM when included at 5% in broiler diets, offering a potential sustainable alternative for poultry nutrition on a commercial scale. Full article