| Advancements and Challenges in Utilizing Animal By-products as Fish Meal Replacements in Aquafeed Formulations. |
| Paper ID : 1068-ICIAQUA |
| Authors |
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Reza Afshar Moghadam *1, Mohammad Reza Imanpour2 1Employee, Gharahboroun, Persian Sturgeon, cooperative co.
Student,Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources 2Professor of Aquaculture, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources |
| Abstract |
| The significance of fish meal in aquaculture is widely recognized, being an essential nutrient for aquafeed formulation. However, the depletion of global fish stocks and environmental concerns related to fish meal production have prompted the exploration of alternative protein sources. Several studies have suggested alternative resources, ranging from plant proteins to animal by-products, purportedly capable of replacing or supplementing fish meal in aquafeed formulations. Despite considerable efforts, fish meal continues to dominate as the primary protein source in aquafeed, with the overall quantity utilized in aquaculture showing no significant variation over the past twenty years. This indicates that alternatives resource have largely remained a theoretical concept in the pursuit of sustainable aquaculture practices, rather than a practical solution. Animal by-products like poultry by-product meal and meat and bone meal offer advantages over plant proteins, including non-competition with human consumption, cost-effectiveness, higher protein content, and nutrient profiles closer to fish meal. Nevertheless, commercial success in replacing fish meal with animal proteins has been hindered by challenges such as low digestibility and nutrient deficiencies. Addressing these challenges through processing functional food methods like fermentation, ultrasound technologies, and enzyme treatment holds promise for improving the quality and efficacy of animal by-products in aquafeed. These methods facilitate sustainable production of protein resources by reducing costs, lowering energy consumption, and optimizing resource utilization. Moreover, compared to traditional thermal treatments, these methods typically preserve the functional components and antioxidant properties of foods. They improve digestibility and substrate compound absorption by breaking down proteins into smaller sizes, generating volatile fatty acids, and reducing saturated fatty acids. However, further research is needed to optimize processing methods and evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of using animal proteins in aquafeed formulations. Overall, advancements in processing technologies coupled with rigorous research efforts are essential for realizing the potential of animal by-products as viable alternatives to fish meal in aquaculture. |
| Keywords |
| Sustainable Aquaculture Fish meal Replacement Animal By-product Functional food |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |