Nutrients and Energy Digestibility of Microalgal Biomass for Fish Feed Applications

Senthil Nagappan Annamalai, Probir Das, Mahmoud I. A. Thaher, Mohammad Abdul Quadir, Shoyeb Khan, Chandan Mahata and Hareb Al Jabri
Additional contact information
Senthil Nagappan Annamalai: Algal Technology Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Probir Das: Algal Technology Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Mahmoud I. A. Thaher: Algal Technology Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Mohammad Abdul Quadir: Algal Technology Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Shoyeb Khan: Algal Technology Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Chandan Mahata: Algal Technology Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Hareb Al Jabri: Algal Technology Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 23, 1-19

Abstract: Aquafeed accounts for at least 75–90% of aquaculture’s operating costs. Traditional aquafeed ingredients such as fishmeal, fish oil, and soybean meal are unsustainable; further, their increasing cost necessities developing alternative feed ingredients. Microalgae-based aquafeed is not only environmentally friendly, but it can also be cost-effective with proper optimization. In addition, the nutrition profile of microalgae is similar to that of many fishes. The digestibility of a feed is one of the most important factors to consider in feed formulation. A highly digestible feed can lower production costs, reduce feed waste, and reduce the risk of eutrophication. This review discusses the digestibility of various nutrients such as protein, lipid, carbohydrate, amino acids, and fatty acids (including omega-3 fatty acids), dry matter, and energy of various microalgae in fish. Other commonly used aquafeed ingredients were also compared to microalgae in terms of nutrient and energy digestibility in fish. The intrinsic characteristics of microalgae, biomass pretreatment, and feed preparation methods are all discussed as factors that contribute to the nutrient and energy digestibility of microalgae in fish. Furthermore, methods for increasing the digestibility of microalgal biomass in fish are suggested. Finally, the review concludes with the challenges and prospects of using microalgae as a fish feed in terms of digestibility.

Keywords: microalgae; aquafeed; protein; digestibility; lipid (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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