Rapeseed proteins as fishmeal alternatives: A review

Abstract

AbstractThe aquaculture sector has been the key factor in meeting the growing demand for high‐quality food by contributing significantly to the global fish production. The portion of fishmeal in aqua feeds has been decreased significantly in recent years, however, increased production in aquaculture still led to demands of fishmeal that cannot be covered by sustainably caught small pelagic fish. Hence, alternatives for fishmeal in aqua feeds are an inevitable necessity. Different plant proteins have been evaluated in the past and rapeseed proteins are considered valuable protein sources for fishmeal‐free aqua feeds. Rapeseed is highly available on a global scale and provides one of the most balanced amino acid composition among plant‐based protein sources. Additionally, rapeseed cultivation is characterised by low production costs, ecological and economic benefits in cereal‐dominated agriculture and provision of two highly nutritive products. Subsequently, rapeseed proteins have been intensely investigated over the past decades and knowledge of the application of these proteins in diets for different species of fish has improved dramatically. However, there is no adequate complete review for the application of rapeseed proteins in aqua feeds. This review outlines and discusses the relevant factors influencing the inclusion of rapeseed proteins as fishmeal alternatives in fish diets and highlights provisional thresholds for anti‐nutritive substances as well as future research needs.