Recent research led by Rosane Lopes Ferreira from the Graduate Course in Zoology at the Federal University of Parana has unveiled promising alternatives to fishmeal for feeding juvenile giant river prawns, scientifically known as Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Published in the journal ‘Fishes’, the study highlights the potential of using poultry co-products and insect meals as substitutes for traditional fishmeal, which has been the primary protein source in aquaculture feeds.
As global fish stocks face significant declines, the aquaculture industry is under pressure to find sustainable and economically viable alternatives to meet the growing demand for seafood. Ferreira’s research specifically looked at the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of various protein sources, including fishmeal, poultry viscera, hydrolyzed feather meal, and the meal derived from the Madagascar hissing cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa. The findings revealed that these alternative ingredients demonstrated digestibility values comparable to those of fishmeal, indicating their potential for inclusion in aquafeeds.
The study found that the ADCs for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, and gross energy varied among the tested ingredients, with poultry viscera meal and hydrolyzed feather meal showing particularly favorable results. For instance, the ADC for crude protein was 88.28% for fishmeal and 81.55% for poultry viscera meal. Ferreira noted, “These results showed the potential use of insect meals and poultry co-products as ingredients for the diets of M. rosenbergii juveniles, as they present digestible values close to those found for fishmeal.”
The implications for the energy sector are significant. By shifting towards alternative protein sources, aquaculture can reduce its reliance on overfished marine stocks, thereby promoting sustainability and environmental preservation. Additionally, the poultry industry, which generates substantial by-products, can find new commercial opportunities by repurposing these materials for aquafeeds. This not only helps in reducing waste but also contributes to a circular economy where resources are utilized more effectively.
As the demand for sustainable aquaculture continues to rise, the findings from Ferreira’s study could pave the way for innovative feed formulations that not only support the growth of freshwater prawns but also align with broader environmental goals. The study emphasizes the importance of digestibility analyses in evaluating new feed ingredients, ensuring that they meet the nutritional needs of aquatic species while also being cost-effective.
In summary, the research published in ‘Fishes’ underscores a critical shift in aquaculture practices, highlighting the viability of alternative feed sources that can bolster both the industry and the environment.
