Chapter 24 - Development of low cost and eco-friendly feed for various candidate species for the sustainability of commercial aquaculture and reduction of aquatic pollution

Abstract

The total production of fishmeal from wild-catch sources is gradually declining. Suitable alternatives therefore have to be found for sustainable aquaculture. Plant-based aquafeed seems to be an ideal approach to this, however it has its own drawbacks. Plant ingredients are rich in antinutritional factors like phytic acid, which reduces the bioavailability of nutrients like minerals, fatty acids, and protein to fish, thereby affecting their growth. Low bioavailability of nutrients resulted in aquaculture pollution. Application of nutraceutical phytase can markedly reduce aquaculture pollution by improving the bioavailability of nutrients. It also contributed to lowering the feed cost as evident from terrestrial animal agriculture. In this chapter, the authors summarize the effects of phytase on nutrient utilization and growth of various commercially important fishes, and eventually discuss the potential role of this nutraceutical in the development of an eco-friendly and low-cost aquafeed for sustainable aquaculture.