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Animals
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Sustainable Feed Ingredients in Freshwater Aquaculture
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Sustainable Feed Ingredients in Freshwater Aquaculture

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Aquatic Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 11832

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zsuzsanna Sandor

E-Mail Website1 Website2 Website3
Guest Editor
Research Centre for Aquaculture and Fisheries, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Godollo, Hungary
Interests: chromatography; extraction; mass spectrometry; sample preparation; liquid chromatography
Prof. Dr. Csaba Hancz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Kaposvár Campus, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
Interests: aquaculture; ecology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The cost of aquafeeds represents about 50–70% of the total production cost in intensive and semi-intensive freshwater aquaculture systems, and this has implications for the sustainable development of aquaculture. The decreasing proportion of fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeeds has coincided with an increase in the introduction of alternative protein meals and oils from a variety of sources, including plant, animal, microalgae, and insect sources. There is growing interest in incorporating agro-industrial by-products, agri-food wastes, or products from circular economic chains into aquafeeds. However, these new resources cause several adverse effects on the physiology and metabolism of fish. On the other hand, some benefits can be obtained if we consider, for example, the increased digestibility or the presence of several bioactive compounds in these new resources.

This Special Issue will publish research papers and reviews on nutritional studies of freshwater fish, including:

(1) the influence of diet on fish performance and nutrient utilization;

(2) the influence of diet on the antioxidant defense system of fish;

(3) the relationship and interaction between dietary ingredients and gut microbiota.

In summary, this Special Issue aims to publish original, state-of-the-art research and reviews related to all aspects of new sustainable feed ingredients in freshwater aquaculture.

Dr. Zsuzsanna Sandor
Prof. Dr. Csaba Hancz
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. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

  • agro-industrial by-product
  • plants
  • algae
  • single-cell organism
  • insects
  • fish health
  • probiotics
  • microbiota

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3036 KiB  
Article
Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Compound Soy Protein on the Growth Performance and Intestinal Health of Juvenile American Eels (Anguilla rostrata)
by Yichuang Xu, Chengyao Wu, Pan Wang, Xiaozhao Han, Jinyue Yang and Shaowei Zhai
Animals 2024, 14(21), 3096; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14213096 - 27 Oct 2024
Viewed by 552
Abstract
The enzymatic hydrolysis of soybeans could enhance their application as an ingredient and alternative to fishmeal in aquafeeds. Here, a 10-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the impacts of different dietary inclusion levels of enzymatically hydrolyzed compound soy protein (EHCS) on the [...] Read more.
The enzymatic hydrolysis of soybeans could enhance their application as an ingredient and alternative to fishmeal in aquafeeds. Here, a 10-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the impacts of different dietary inclusion levels of enzymatically hydrolyzed compound soy protein (EHCS) on the growth performance and intestinal health of juvenile American eels (Anguilla rostrata). Five experimental diets were formulated with graded EHCS inclusion levels at 0% (EHCS0), 8% (EHCS8), 16% (EHCS16), 24% (EHCS24), and 32% (EHCS32). Each diet was randomly assigned to four replicate tanks. The results showed that eels fed the EHCS8 diet exhibited superior growth performance, decreased serum lipid content, and increased immunity compared to those fed the EHCS0 diet. Eels fed the EHCS8 diet also displayed improved intestinal histology, enhanced antioxidant capacity and balance of intestinal microbiota as well as an enhanced proliferation of probiotics compared to those receiving the EHCS0 diet. Compared with eels fed the EHCS0 diet, those fed the EHCS16 diet exhibited comparable growth performance and values for the aforementioned markers. The quadratic regression analysis of weight gain rate and feed efficiency against the dietary EHCS inclusion levels determined the maximum levels of dietary EHCS inclusion for American eels range from 17.59% to 17.77%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Feed Ingredients in Freshwater Aquaculture)
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16 pages, 1483 KiB  
Article
Inclusion of Sorghum in Cyprinus carpio L. Diet: Effects on Growth, Flesh Quality, Microbiota, and Oxidative Status
by Cristian-Alin Barbacariu, Gabriela Dumitru, Cristina Mihaela Rimbu, Cristina Elena Horhogea, Lenuța Dîrvariu, Elena Todirașcu-Ciornea, Dana Andreea Șerban and Marian Burducea
Animals 2024, 14(11), 1549; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111549 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 826
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of including sorghum in the diet of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) on its growth, blood parameters, meat composition, intestinal microbiota, and oxidative stress. Experimental diets with varying sorghum content (0%—V0 or control, 10%—V1, 20%—V2, and [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of including sorghum in the diet of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) on its growth, blood parameters, meat composition, intestinal microbiota, and oxidative stress. Experimental diets with varying sorghum content (0%—V0 or control, 10%—V1, 20%—V2, and 30%—V3) were administered to carp weighing 43 g initially. Notably, in the 30% variant, sorghum entirely replaced corn and barley in the diet. Chemical analysis of sorghum unveiled a protein content of 14% and a fat content of 3.9%. Sorghum inclusion led to a decline in final body weight and weight gain, particularly notable in the V3 group with 30% sorghum. However, other physiological parameters, such as feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, and organ indices, remained unaffected. Protein and salt content in carp flesh increased with higher sorghum inclusion levels, while hematological parameters showed minimal variations. Analysis of the intestinal microbiota revealed increases in both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial populations with sorghum inclusion. Furthermore, sorghum concentration inversely correlated with glutathione levels and positively correlated with malondialdehyde content, indicating a disruption of antioxidant defense mechanisms and elevated oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Feed Ingredients in Freshwater Aquaculture)
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15 pages, 2678 KiB  
Article
Effect of Substituting Soybean Meal in Oreochromis niloticus Diets with Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) Seed Cake on Water Quality, Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Carcass Composition
by Hossam A. M. Mounes, Zeinab M. A. Abd-El Azeem, Dena. A. Abd El-Bary, Adham A. Al-Sagheer, Yasmina M. Abd-Elhakim, Bayan A. Hassan, Sherif S. Sadek and Kareem. M. Ahmed
Animals 2024, 14(2), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020195 - 7 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1727
Abstract
A 10-week feeding experiment was performed to determine the impacts of partial substitution of soybean meal (SB) with pumpkin seed cake (PSC) in Oreochromis niloticus diets on water quality, growth rate, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and carcass composition. One hundred and fifty tilapia fish [...] Read more.
A 10-week feeding experiment was performed to determine the impacts of partial substitution of soybean meal (SB) with pumpkin seed cake (PSC) in Oreochromis niloticus diets on water quality, growth rate, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and carcass composition. One hundred and fifty tilapia fish (average weight, 11.93 ± 0.17 g) were randomly allocated to five diets. The first diet (the basal diet) contained 420 g of SB per kg of feed. The remaining four diets, namely, D1, D2, D3, and D4, had SB partially replaced by PSC at 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, respectively. The results revealed that D4 and D1 significantly improved dissolved oxygen levels, while water temperature, pH, total ammonia, and nitrate levels were not significantly affected. Replacing SB with PSC significantly improved specific growth performance indicators and feed conversion compared to the control, with the D4 group showing the best values. Increasing PSC levels decreased serum glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. In contrast, the D4 group had higher globulin, albumin, total protein, and lysozyme serum levels. Moreover, fish-fed PSC had significantly increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities and significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels. Increasing PSC substitution levels in fish diets increased the ash and crude lipid contents in the bodies of the fish, while crude protein and moisture decreased. In conclusion, replacing SB with PSC in fish diets significantly enhances growth performance, feed conversion, and fish health. Moreover, the findings suggest that PSC can be a promising alternative protein source for sustainable aquaculture practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Feed Ingredients in Freshwater Aquaculture)
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Review

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20 pages, 897 KiB  
Review
Factors Affecting Yeast Digestibility and Immunostimulation in Aquatic Animals
by Sadia Sultana, Janka Biró, Balázs Kucska and Csaba Hancz
Animals 2024, 14(19), 2851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192851 - 3 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1030
Abstract
The aquafeed industry increasingly relies on using sustainable and appropriate protein sources to ensure the long-term sustainability and financial viability of intensive aquaculture. Yeast has emerged as a viable substitute protein source in the aquaculture sector due to its potential as a nutritional [...] Read more.
The aquafeed industry increasingly relies on using sustainable and appropriate protein sources to ensure the long-term sustainability and financial viability of intensive aquaculture. Yeast has emerged as a viable substitute protein source in the aquaculture sector due to its potential as a nutritional supplement. A substantial body of evidence exists to suggest that yeast has the potential to act as an effective immune-stimulating agent for a range of aquaculture fish species. Furthermore, the incorporation of yeast supplements and feed additives has the potential to bolster disease prevention, development, and production within the aquaculture sector. Except for methionine, lysine, arginine, and phenylalanine, which are typically the limiting essential amino acids in various fish species, the various yeast species exhibit amino acid profiles that are advantageous when compared to fishmeal. The present review considers the potential nutritional suitability of several yeast species for fish, with particular attention to the various applications of yeast in aquaculture nutrition. The findings of this study indicate that the inclusion of yeast in the diet resulted in the most favorable outcomes, with improvements observed in the overall health, growth performance, and nutritional condition of the fish. Digestibility, a key factor in sustainable feed development, is discussed in special detail. Additionally, this review addresses the utilization of yeast as an immunostimulating agent for fish and its digestion in fish. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the necessity of large-scale production of yeast as a substitute for fishmeal in aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Feed Ingredients in Freshwater Aquaculture)
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15 pages, 708 KiB  
Review
The Role of Insects in Sustainable Animal Feed Production for Environmentally Friendly Agriculture: A Review
by Csaba Hancz, Sadia Sultana, Zoltán Nagy and Janka Biró
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071009 - 26 Mar 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4394
Abstract
The growing demand for animal protein, the efficient use of land and water, and the limitations of non-renewable energy sources highlight the global importance of edible insects. This paper provides an overview of the key issues regarding the role of edible insects in [...] Read more.
The growing demand for animal protein, the efficient use of land and water, and the limitations of non-renewable energy sources highlight the global importance of edible insects. This paper provides an overview of the key issues regarding the role of edible insects in sustainable feed production and environmentally friendly agriculture. The indispensable ecological services provided by insects are discussed, as well as the farming, products, and nutritional value of edible insects. A representative selection of the literature reviewing major insect species’ chemical compositions and nutritional value is also presented. The use of insect-derived feeds for animal production is presented in detail and discussed for the major terrestrial livestock and aquaculture groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Feed Ingredients in Freshwater Aquaculture)
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19 pages, 346 KiB  
Review
Fish Responses to Alternative Feeding Ingredients under Abiotic Chronic Stress
by Julieta Sánchez-Velázquez, Guillermo Abraham Peña-Herrejón and Humberto Aguirre-Becerra
Animals 2024, 14(5), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050765 - 29 Feb 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2571
Abstract
Aquaculture has become one of the most attractive food production activities as it provides high-quality protein for the growing human population. However, the abiotic chronic stress of fish in intensive fish farming leads to a detrimental condition that affects their health and somatic [...] Read more.
Aquaculture has become one of the most attractive food production activities as it provides high-quality protein for the growing human population. However, the abiotic chronic stress of fish in intensive fish farming leads to a detrimental condition that affects their health and somatic growth, comprising productive performance. This work aims to comprehensively review the impact of alternative and novel dietary protein sources on fish somatic growth, metabolism, and antioxidative capacity under environmental/abiotic stressors. The documental research indicates that ingredients from rendered animal by-products, insects, bacteria as single-cell proteins, and fungal organisms (e.g., yeast, filamentous fungus, and mushrooms) benefit fish health and performance. A set of responses allows fish growth, health, and survival to remain unaffected by feeding with alternative ingredients during chronic environmental stress. Those ingredients stimulate the production of enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and selenoproteins that counteract ROS effects. In addition, the humoral immune system promotes immunoglobulin production (IgM) and cortisol plasmatic reduction. Further investigation must be carried out to establish the specific effect by species. Additionally, the mixture and the pre-treatment of ingredients such as hydrolysates, solid fermentations, and metabolite extraction potentialize the beneficial effects of diets in chronically stressed fish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Feed Ingredients in Freshwater Aquaculture)
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