Abstract
Algae are the important primary producers in the aquatic ecosystem both in freshwater and in marine water and serve as food for tiny zooplanktons to giant whales. The single-celled microscopic algae commonly called microalgae play a vital role in maintaining the whole food chain, especially in the aquatic ecosystem. Due to the drastic increase in the human population, terrestrial agriculture will be highly challenged nowadays to meet the demands of hungry men, and to fulfill the demand, we have entered the blue revolution for dietary protein and essential nutrients from aquatic environments. According to the FAO of the United Nations, aquaculture is the most efficient producer of edible protein in the world and it continues to grow faster than any other important food sector in the world. Currently, aquaculture has grown annually at 7.8% compared to the other terrestrial farming systems like poultry, pork, dairy, beef, and grains at 4.6%, 2.2%, 1.4%, 1.0%, and 1.4%, respectively. It is expected that in the near future, aquaculture will become the main industry providing aquatic products to human beings. Microalgae play a major role in the rearing of aquatic animals and serve as larvae nutrition during a brief period for mollusks, shrimp, and fish, in aquaculture. Though there are several hundred microalgae species, only less than 20 like Chaetoceros, Skeletonema, Pavlova, Phaeodactylum, Haematococcus, Tetraselmis, Dunaliella, Nannochloropsis have gained widespread use in aquaculture. Since these microalgae contain a high amount of protein, i.e., more than 60% of dry weight, they have been used as valuable assets in aquaculture. In addition to protein, they are rich in vitamins and fat, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which improve the growth, reproduction, and immunity of aquatic animals; they are rich in polysaccharides which can improve animal immunity; and various types of pigments such as β-carotene, astaxanthin, and lutein present in microalgae can improve the color of the animal, especially the shrimps.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
