Fish Meal Research Articles

Positive effects of Lithospermum erythrorhizon extract added to high soybean meal diet on growth, intestinal antioxidant capacity, intestinal microbiota, and metabolism of pearl gentian grouper

This study aims to investigate the effects of adding 2‰ Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LE) extract to the high soybean meal diet on the growth, intestinal antioxidant capacity, intestinal microbes, and metabolism of pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂). Three diets included FM, SBM, and SBMLE, in which FM was the whole fish meal diet, SBM was the soybean meal replacing 50% fish meal protein, and SBMLE was the SBM diet supplemented with 2‰ LE extract. After a 56-day feeding trial, the results showed the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed efficiency rate (FER) of pearl gentian grouper in FM and SBMLE group was significantly higher than that of SBM (P < 0.05). Furthermore, high soybean meal dietary added LE extract inclusion significantly increased the SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activity while significantly decreasing the MDA level (P < 0.05). Significant differences were in the gene expression of cytokines il1-β, il8, tnf-α, il10, and tgf-β between the SBMLE and SBM groups (P < 0.05). In addition, Microbiomics results revealed increased ASVs and alterations in gut microbiota composition, characterized by a decrease in Bacteroidota and an increase in Proteobacteria, Nautella, and lactococcus after adding LE extract. Furthermore, the substantial reduction in Firmicutes and Acidobacterota induced by high soybean meal feed was reversed by LE extract. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis showed that LE extract mitigated soybean-induced enteritis (SBMIE) by affecting two critical metabolic pathways: arachidonic acid metabolism and histidine metabolism. In conclusion, adding LE extract to a high soybean meal diet can improve the growth performance and immunity of the pearl gentian grouper, and LE can play a mitigating role in SBMIE by regulating lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and intestinal flora balance.

Fishing or farming? Isotopic evidence of human subsistence strategies at the Dashuitian site during the middle Neolithic in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China

The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, with its deep canyons, abundant freshwater resources, and unique geographic location at the crossroads in the spread of rice-millet agriculture in the Middle Neolithic, is of great significance for understanding the interaction between fishing-hunting-gathering and farming in inland freshwater environments. However, few direct evidence for human subsistence strategies had been published in this region. This study presents results of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses on human bones, animal and millet remains from the Dashuitian site (c. 6000–5500 BP) in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China, to investigate the diet and subsistence and intrapopulation dietary variations in this region. The results indicate that the humans at the site consumed mostly freshwater fish foods and supplemented by terrestrial animals, with no discernable input from millets. They had consistently relied on a fishing, hunting, and gathering economy during the occupation of the site in the Middle Neolithic (c. 6000–5500 BP), differing from humans in other areas especially along the rivers and coasts of the lower Yangtze River valley for the roughly same period, further showing the extensive utilization of and adaptation to the available environmental resources. In addition, intrapopulation dietary variations based on burial style and sex provide evidence that differentiation and inequality, at least regarding to food consumption, existed at the Three Gorges region during the Middle Neolithic. Here, our findings provide isotopic evidence about the Middle Neolithic human subsistence strategies in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, providing a glimpse into the complexity related to inequality in food access among fisher-hunter-gatherers in inland areas, and new insights into understanding past human-environment interactions.

Cultural ecosystem services and the conservation challenges for an Indigenous people's aquatic protected area practice.

Globally, protected areas associated with sacred sites and cemeteries are an emerging area of research. However, they are biased toward terrestrial systems. In Fiji, funerary protected areas (FPAs) in freshwater and marine systems are culturally protected by Indigenous Fijians following the burial of a loved one on clan land. First documented in the 1800s, FPAs in Fiji have not been researched despite more than 30years of conservation efforts and countrywide comanagement of natural resources. We sought to bridge this knowledge gap by elucidating 8 socioecological attributes of Indigenous FPAs through stratified, purposive, semistructured interviews of 201 key informants across Fiji's 189 districts. Seventy-three districts actively implemented FPAs; another 34 were not being implemented because of low FPA awareness, FPA exclusion from comanagement plans, and conflicts in chief selection. Thirty-three percent of districts established FPAs for chiefs only, and 20% established FPAs for any clan member, resulting in the establishment of numerous FPAs annually. From the 1960s to 2019, 188 FPAs were established. Forty-four percent of FPAs were protected for 100 nights, and 47% protected all resources and associated ecosystems in the FPA. Only 25% of districts harvested edible fish and invertebrates; another 22% harvested edible fish only. For some chiefs' funeral rites, only turtles were harvested, which are protected by law, thereby requiring government exemption for traditional use. The FPA harvest provisions varied from engaging whole communities to engaging specific clans, such as traditional fishers or those who performed the burial. Our results showed that practices associated with FPAs in Fiji are diverse, organically evolving, and more socially nuanced and complex than the fisheries and food provisioning focus they are known for. Erosion of Indigenous knowledge and practices associated with FPAs and FPA exclusion from conservation planning will negatively affect social and ecological resilience, resulting in vulnerable communities.

Monoclonal antibodies against jellyfish collagen.

Collagens are abundant structural proteins found in both mammalian and marine species, and attractive biomaterials used in various fields. Jellyfish collagen-based products have become increasingly popular because of their clinically proven health benefits such as the effects of skin wound healing and immune stimulation. To develop detection tools for jellyfish collagen, we generated four monoclonal antibodies, MCOL1, 2, 3, and 4, by immunizing mice with moon jellyfish collagen. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the variable regions of the monoclonal antibodies were determined. The antibody-binding kinetics toward collagens from moon jellyfish were evaluated using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor, and the binding specificity was evaluated in comparison with binding to collagens from edible jellyfish, fish scales, and pig and cow skins. MCOL1, 3, and 4 specifically bound to moon jellyfish collagen, whereas MCOL2 bound to both moon and edible jellyfish collagens. Considering the results showing that the SPR responses of MCOL2 binding were greater than those seen with the other antibodies, MCOL2 could recognize the common and repetitive sequences of the two jellyfish collagens. Therefore, this monoclonal antibody will be most applicable for detecting jellyfish collagen.

The Biotechnological Potential of Crickets as a Sustainable Protein Source for Fishmeal Replacement in Aquafeed.

As aquaculture production grows, so does the demand for quality and cost-effective protein sources. The cost of fishmeal (FM) has increased over the years, leading to increased production costs for formulated aquafeed. Soybean meal (SBM) is commonly used as an FM replacer in aquafeed, but anti-nutritional factors could affect the growth, nutrition, and health of aquatic organisms. Cricket meal (CM) is an alternative source with a nutrient profile comparable to FM due to its high protein content, digestibility, and amino acid profile. CM use in aquafeed influences growth and reproductive performance while modulating the gut microbiota and immune response of fish and shrimp. However, consistent regulation and scaling up are necessary for competitive prices and the marketing of CM. Moreover, the chitin content in CM could be an issue in some fish species; however, different strategies based on food biotechnology can improve the protein quality for its safe use in aquafeed.

Prevalence, virulence potential, antibiotic resistance profile, heavy metal resistance genes of Listeria innocua: A first study in consumed foods for assessment of human health risk in Northern Turkey.

Listeria (L.) innocua is typically considered a non-pathogenic bacterium that can sometimes act as an opportunistic pathogen in severely immunocompromised patients. However, it plays an important role in food safety because it acts as an indicator organism for potential contamination and the effectiveness of sanitation methods. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, virulence genes, antibiotic resistance profiles, heavy metal and disinfectant resistance genes of L. innocua isolates from animal-derived foods. In this study, we isolated and characterized 39 L. innocua strains recovered from commonly 400 consumed beef meat, fresh fish meat, raw cow milk, and traditional cheese samples collected in Giresun, Turkey. The occurrence of virulence-associated genes was detected, such as plcA (97.4%), iap (35.8%), and hlyA (15.3%). A high incidence of resistance was recorded for fusidic acid (100%), followed by oxacillin (97.4%), clindamycin (82%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (69.2%), benzylpenicillin (41%), nitrofurantoin (35.8%), and fosfomycin (35.8%). Overall, 100% (39/39) of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, while 92.3% (36/39) of the isolate strains were multidrug resistant in the antimicrobial susceptibility tested. Among the L. innocua isolates (n = 39), 51.2%, 38.4%, 20.5%, 7.6%, 5.1%, 2.5%, and 2.5% were positive for qacH, cadA1, qacE, qacEΔ1-sul, qacJ, qacF, and qacG heavy metal and disinfectant resistance genes, respectively. The results highlight the need for more comprehensive studies to understand the monitoring and surveillance of L. innocua and their potential hazards to both humans and animals.

Effects of supplementation with freeze-dried Clostridium butyricum powder after replacement of fishmeal with cottonseed protein concentrate on growth performance, immune response, and intestinal microbiota of Litopenaeus vannamei

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of supplementation with freeze-dried Clostridium butyricum (CB) powder on the growth, immune function and intestinal health of Litopenaeus vannamei after replacing fishmeal in the diet with cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC). Six treatment groups were designed, namely the control group (CON, 25% fish meal) and five alternative groups (CPC replacing 40% fishmeal protein in the control group). Based on the alternative group, 0%, 0.065%, 0.26%, 1.04%, and 4.16% of freeze-dried CB bacterial powder (4.6 × 108 CFU/g) were added, recorded as CB 0, CB 0.065, CB 0.26, CB 1.04, and CB 4.16, respectively. Each treatment had 3 replicates of 40 shrimps (0.29 ± 0.01 g) each and breeding for 8 weeks. After the experiment, serum enzyme activities, muscle amino acids, and intestinal parameters (short-chain fatty acids, digestive enzymes, gene expression, and microbiota) were tested to explore the effects of freeze-dried CB powder in shrimp aquaculture. The results showed that the CB1.04 group had the highest final body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth ratio (P > 0.05). Freeze-dried CB powder increased the activity of serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, complement 3, and complement 4. Muscle tyrosine, proline, and total essential amino acids were remarkably increased in the CB 1.04 group (P < 0.05). Propionic acid levels were elevated in the CB 1.04 and CB4.16 groups (P < 0.001). The relative expression of Dorsal, Relish, and Target of Rapamycin (TOR) genes was significantly increased in the CB 1.04 group (P < 0.01). Actinobacteria and Demequina abundance was significantly higher in the CB 1.04 group (P < 0.01). The results of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge test showed the highest cumulative mortality rate (43.33%) in the CB0 group and the lowest cumulative mortality rate (20%) in the CB1.04 group. This study confirmed that freeze-dried CB powder alleviated the negative effects of CPC replacement of fish meal protein in Litopenaeus vannamei, and the optimum additive level was 2.11% (9.71 × 109 CFU/kg) as indicated by binary regression analysis of specific growth ratio.

Nutritional Composition of Marine Water Fishes of Bangladesh: A Review

Marine fishes have been recognized for high quality protein and essential fatty acids which play a vital role in human being for nutrition and disease prevention. This review focuses on the nutrient composition of marine fishes in Bangladesh. Nutrient composition data was collected through literature searching in databases and source, including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, World Fish, and Bangladesh-based database Banglajol. Published articles contained proximate composition, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids profiles of marine fishes. The highest energy, protein, fat and ash content in 100 g edible raw marine fish was 926 kJ, 50 g, 24.2 g, and 8.4 g, respectively. The maximum amount of minerals such as 8.6 mg iron, 29.3 mg zinc, 1900 mg calcium, 160 µg iodine, 120 µg selenium, 1000 mg phosphorus, 187.98 mg magnesium, 497.4 mg sodium, 764 mg potassium, 1.1 mg manganese, 300 mg sulphur and 0.5 mg copper found in 100 gram edible raw marine fishes. The highest quantity of vitamins was 288.7 µg vitamin A, 0.9 mg vitamin B6, 15 µg vitamin B12, 13 µg vitamin D, 2.4 mg vitamin E, 17 µg folate, 0.2 mg thiamine, 0.2 mg riboflavin and 19.3 mg niacin in 100 gram edible raw marine fishes. According to available data, marine fish are good sources of protein, vitamins, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and fatty acids. This illustrates the diversity in nutrient content of fish species which should guide policy and programs to improve food and nutrition security in Bangladesh.

Abstract 4135338: Associations between plant-based diets and total mortality among Chinese older participants with cardiometabolic diseases: a prospective cohort study

Background and Aims: Plant-based diets have been associated with a lower risk of total mortality among generally health populations. However, the associations of plant-based diets with total mortality remain unclear among older people with cardiometabolic diseases, who have an elevated risk of mortality. Methods: We prospectively followed 4,485 participants (mean age: 84 years) from the China Prospective Longitudinal Survey of Health and Longevity (2006-2018), who had cardiometabolic disease in 2006. Dietary data were collected at baseline using a food-frequency questionnaire. Using these data, we created an overall plant-based diet index (PDI), in which plant-based foods received positive scores while animal foods (meat, fish and aquatic products, eggs, milk, animal fats) received reversed scores accordingly. We also created a healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), where healthy plant-based foods (whole grains, vegetables, vegetable oils, fresh fruits, legumes, beans, garlic, nuts, tea) received positive scores, while less healthy plant-based foods (refined grains, pickles, sugar, preserved vegetables) and animal-based foods were given reversed scores. In addition, an unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI) was created by assigning positive scores to less healthy plant-based foods while reverse scores to healthy plant-based foods and animal-based foods. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for total mortality, with adjustment for demographics, dietary and lifestyle factors, and medical history. Results: During a 12 years of follow-up, 2,881 deaths were recorded. A higher score from PDI and hPDI was associated with a lower risk total mortality among participants with cardiometabolic diseases (HR and 95% CI for extreme quintiles of PDIs: 0.85, 95% CI 0.75–0.96, P trend &lt; 0.001; hPDI: 0.84 (0.74–0.94), P trend &lt; 0.001). A higher uPDI score was associated with a higher total mortality among participants with cardiometabolic diseases (uPDI: 1.28 (1.13-1.47), P trend &lt; 0.001). These results were consistent in subgroup analyses by age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, education level, physical activity, and BMI. Conclusion: Our study suggests that among older Chinese participants with cardiometabolic diseases, adherence to an overall plant-based diet or a healthful plant-based diet, is associated with a lower total mortality, while an unhealthful plant-based diet was associated with a higher total mortality.

Formaldehyde as Preservative for Fish and Seafood: A Boon or a Bane

ABSTRACTThree billion people globally rely on fish and other seafood as a significant source of animal protein. Despite being deemed illegal due to its ability to cause cancer, mutagenesis, and tumor development, formaldehyde is still in use to extend the shelf life of different fish and shellfish, which indicates the failure of awareness among people. Formaldehyde is categorized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group‐I human carcinogen. Therefore, we try to summarize the chemistry of formaldehyde, its illegal addition in various food materials leading to adverse health conditions followed by its evaluation at physiological and histological levels in our review with the help of data collected from various research papers, newspaper articles, and online data. We have also highlighted on various environmental factors that play a role in altering the levels of formaldehyde in various food materials. This review also gives an insight into various rules and regulations made to limit the usage of formaldehyde in fish and other seafood at both national and international levels. Our review will help to generate awareness among common people, the establishment of much stronger rules, and regulations on usage of formaldehyde, and finding an alternative for preservation of fish and other food materials.

Optimizing food waste bioconversion with sodium selenite-enhanced Lucilia sericata maggots: a sustainable approach for chicken feed production and heavy metal mitigation.

Recycling food waste by feeding it to insects can result in the continuous production of high-quality animal feed protein and organic fertilizer. However, the bioconversion efficiency and safety of using insects as feed protein for animal breeding are important factors limiting the development of this technology. Therefore, we aimed to optimize the efficiency of bioconversion of food waste using Lucilia sericata maggot (LSM). Sodium selenite (SS) was used to improve the quality and safety of each trophic-level organism. The results showed that an SS concentration of 15mgkg-1 w.w. in the food waste culture substrate (SS15), the yield and quality of the obtained LSMs were optimal. The total selenium (Se) content of LSMs was 82.4 ± 1.16mgkg-1 d.w., and non-inorganic Se accounted for 96.4% ± 2.01% of the total Se content. Additionally, the conversion efficiency of food waste was 18.7% higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). When SS15 was used to raise maggots as a protein substitute for fish meal (commercial feed), the weight of the chickens and the crude protein content were 1.09-1.26times and 1.09-1.13times, respectively (p < 0.05), in comparison with the corresponding findings obtained with the use of ordinary maggots and commercial feed. In this group, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and immunoglobulin A and G activities were significantly higher than those obtained with the other feeds (p < 0.05). During this cyclic utilization process, the total Se content in chickens (0.31 ± 0.05mgkg-1 w.w. in the breast, 0.19 ± 0.01mgkg-1 w.w. in the leg, and 0.57 ± 0.01mgkg-1 w.w. in the liver) significantly increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the Cu and Zn contents in the LSMs and chickens increased, whereas cadmium, lead, chromium, and nickel absorption was inhibited (p < 0.05). Health risk assessment based on the levels of Se and heavy metals showed that Se-enriched chickens produced using this method can be safely consumed.

Effects of replacing fish meal with pork meal and supplementing with crystalline amino acids and fish oil on growth performance, body composition, enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, and immune response of Penaeus monodon

IntroductionThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of substituting fish meal with pork meal in feed on the growth performance, feed utilization, intestinal morphology, and immune function of Penaeus monodon.MethodsA total of 600 uniformly sized juvenile shrimp with an initial weight of 1.20 ± 0.03 g were randomly assigned to four groups, with each group consisting of six replicates of 25 shrimp each. Fish meal protein was replaced with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% pork meal, and crystalline amino acids and fish oil were supplemented accordingly. The groups were designated as P0, P5, P10, and P15, and the study duration was 70 days.ResultsResults indicated no significant difference in specific growth rate (SGR) between the P5 and P10 groups compared to the P0 group. However, the SGR in the P15 group was significantly lower than that in the P5 and P10 groups. Feed conversion rates (FCRs) for the P5 and P10 groups were comparable to the P0 group, whereas the P15 group showed a significantly higher FCR than the other groups. There were no significant differences in whole body composition among all the groups. Apart from alanine, the amino acid composition of muscles did not differ significantly among all the groups. Results of enzyme activity in plasma revealed that the replacement of fish meal with pork meal reduced levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Specifically, levels of AST in the P5 and P15 groups were significantly lower compared to the P0 and P10 groups. Histological examination of midgut tissues showed that villus height initially increased and then decreased with higher replacement ratios. The P5 group had the highest villus height, while the P15 group had the lowest villus height. Analysis of gene expression related to liver immune functions indicated that genes in TLR signaling pathway were significantly elevated in the P15 group compared to the other groups.DiscussionIn conclusion, even with the supplementation of crystalline amino acids and fish oil, pork meal should not replace more than 10% of fish meal in the feed of P. monodon to maintain optimal growth and feed efficiency.

TLR2/TLR5 Signaling and Gut Microbiota Mediate Soybean-Meal-Induced Enteritis and Declined Growth and Antioxidant Capabilities in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

Soybean meal, renowned for its high yield, cost efficiency, and protein richness, serves as a pivotal plant-based alternative to fish meal. However, high soybean meal inclusion in Larimichthys crocea diets is linked to enteritis and oxidative damage, with unknown mechanisms. Our study aims to elucidate the molecular basis of soybean-meal-induced enteritis and its impact on intestinal microbiota in L. crocea. To this end, four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets with varying soybean meal levels (0% FM, 15% SBM15, 30% SBM30, and 45% SBM45) were administered to L. crocea for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the SBM30 and SBM45 treatments significantly hindered fish growth, digestive efficiency, and protein utilization. Furthermore, high soybean meal levels (SBM30 and SBM45) activated intestinal Toll-like receptors (TLR2A, TLR2B, TLR5, and TLR22), stimulating C-Rel and mTOR protein expression and elevating ERK phosphorylation. This led to increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-4/13A, IL-4/13B, and TGF-β), suggesting a potential signaling pathway for soybean-meal-induced enteritis. Furthermore, enteritis induced by high soybean meal levels led to oxidative damage, evident from increased MDA levels and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT). The SBM30 and SBM45 treatments increased Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes abundance in fish gut microbiota, while Proteobacteria abundance decreased. This microbiota shift may enhance soybean meal nutrient utilization, yet high soybean meal concentrations still impair growth. A soybean-meal-rich diet promotes harmful bacteria like Rhodococcus and depletes probiotics like Ralstonia, increasing disease risks. L. crocea has limited tolerance for soybean meal, necessitating advanced processing to mitigate anti-nutritional factors. Ultimately, exploring alternative protein sources beyond soybean meal for fish meal replacement is optimal for L. crocea.

A taste for growth: Rapeseed lecithin improves the feed intake of post‐juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

AbstractFeed formulations low in fish meal and fish oil can decrease feed intake and nutrient digestibility. Dietary application of lecithins could improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility; however, knowledge about specific lecithins and their effects in post‐juvenile fish is lacking. This study evaluated the effects of a commercially available rapeseed lecithin mixture on growth performance, feed intake, and nutrient digestibility of post‐juvenile rainbow trout (77.1 ± 12.1 g). A commercially based diet low in fish meal served as the control, while in the remaining three diets, fish oil was replaced with lecithin by 50%, 100% with lecithin, or 100% with a mixture of equal amounts of lecithin and rapeseed oil. Fish were fed to apparent satiation twice per day for 56 days. At the end of the trial, growth parameters, health parameters, nutrient digestibility, and filet coloration were assessed. Overall growth and feed intake were significantly elevated in all lecithin diets compared with the control group. The nutrient digestibility of all diets containing lecithin was similar to the control, and no differences in health parameters were detected. Filet coloration was significantly improved in diets of 100% fish oil replacement. Rapeseed lecithin can act as a feed attractant in fish meal and fish oil‐reduced diets.

Manures base on Oreochromis niloticus for agricultural use

ABSTRACT Objective: Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia) meal was evaluated as a source of nutrients in agriculture, through a composting process mixed with a zero tillage soil. Design/methodology/approach: Two manures were formulated, mixing flour and soil at a 30:70 ratio (mass/mass w:w) respectively. Compost A was maintained at 60 days of composting (ddc), compost B at 30 days. The phytotoxicity of the manures was evaluated as percentage of germination in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) seeds. Results: The N-P-K ratio (% dry mass) was 1.90-2.06-0.30 for manure A (60 ddc), and 2.60-2.24-0.34 for B (30 ddc). On germination, 100% concentration; manure A had 44.9% and B 19.6%, compared to the control. For concentration of 10% it was 93.7 and 111.4%, manure A and B, respectively. Limitations on study/implications: It is necessary to carry out more phytotoxicity tests. In this experiment, dilutions were made in the manures to increase germination. Findings/conclusions: The use of manure based on tilapia meal in agriculture is proposed in the future and in this way take advantage of the waste from fish processing. Keywords: Fish meal, compost, tomato, soil improver

A critical review on heavy metal contamination in aquatic food webs by edible fish species: a special case concerning Bangladesh.

Heavy metals (HMs) are ubiquitous in terrestrial and aquatic environments due to unplanned industrial waste discharge, the release of untreated wastewater, and improper mining activities. In particular, the concentrations of HMs are found to be higher in aquatic environments. As a result, the aquatic biota was heavily affected by HM contamination. This critical review aims to understand the sources and toxicity of HMs in commercial fish species, explore their ecological exchange, and examine the related human health challenges in Bangladesh. A modified PRISMA review technique is used in this paper to analyze the current status and research limitations of HM studies in Bangladesh fish species and their toxicity within aquatic food webs. Briefly, we searched several keywords to explore the research trend of HM concentrations and toxicity in fish species. Furthermore, potential toxicity and risk assessment of HMs through the aquatic food chain in Bangladesh were explored. On the other hand, a cross-tabulation approach was used to process the toxicity findings of HMs. Previous studies indicate that fish species can possess comparatively higher HMs than river water due to ecological exchange factors, including bioaccumulation and biotransformation. This review focuses on Bangladesh, highlighting areas for improvements and the need for further study to achieve a transparent understanding of HM deposition in fish species and the sustainable management of aquatic food chain toxicity.

The impact of quality certificates on sustainable food production: An analysis of selected systems in Poland

This study evaluates the influence of quality certificates on sustainable food production in Poland, considering economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Analyzing 25 different certificates, the research explores their criteria, procedures, and costs across various food product categories, including meat, fish, and plant-based products. The study provides a detailed review of certification processes, from initiation to audits and inspections. It identifies both commonalities and differences among certificates, each addressing unique aspects such as environmental impact, worker rights, and product origins. Despite the diversity in standards and procedures, the study underscores the need for standardized international criteria to improve transparency and meet consumer expectations, highlighting the significant role of quality certificates in advancing sustainable food production.

Effects of fish meal replacement with composite proteins source on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and swim bladder quality of chu’s croaker (Nibea coibor)

Collagen, as a commercial functional protein, is widely applied in food, cosmetics, biomedicine and other industries, and swim bladder is regarded as an ideal source of raw materials due to its rich collagen content. Chu’s croaker (Nibea coibor), as an economical fish that can produce high-grade swim bladder, is popularly farmed, however, its high fishmeal demand limits the development of the feed industry. Therefore, it is worth thinking about how to reduce the use of fish meal without affecting the swim bladder quality. Given that, an 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of fish meal partially replaced (0.0%, 5.0%, 10.0%, 15.0%, 20.0%) with composite proteins (CPs, consisted of corn protein meal and hydrolyzed feather meal) on growth, antioxidant capacity and swim bladder quality (texture and collagen deposition) of chu’s croaker. Results showed that although growth performance decrease with the increase of CPs’ replacement level, it did not compromise the swim bladder quality. Specifically, 5% - 10% CPs did not affect the growth significantly, but can improve antioxidant capacity, protein content, collagen synthesis and texture quality of swim bladder. The enhancement of swim bladder texture, including hardness, chewiness, springiness, and adhesiveness may be caused by changes in the expression of related genes, such as colga1t1, col12a1, cyp27a1, etc. These results indicated that appropriate fish meal replaced by CPs could be applied during aquaculture practice after comprehensive consideration of feed cost, growth rate and quality of swim bladder. This study provides support for the development of cost-effective feed formulations that improve the sustainability and economic viability of chu’s croaker culture.

Effects of Replacing Fish Meal with Rubber Seed Cake on Growth, Digestive, Antioxidant and Protein Metabolism of Juvenile Asian Red-Tailed Catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides).

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to assess the impact of replacing fish meal (FM) with rubber seed cake (RSC) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity of the gut, antioxidant capacity and protein metabolism-related parameters of plasma and liver in juvenile Asian red-tailed catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides) with an average body weight of 3.21 g. Four isonitrogenous (41.08 ± 0.17) and isolipidic (10.07 ± 0.11) diets were formulated, incorporating RSC at a level of 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% (w/w) to progressively replace FM. Dietary inclusion of 15-30% RSC did not significantly affect growth performance (p > 0.05). However, the replacement of FM with RSC resulted in linear reductions in intestinal trypsin and amylase activities, with a significant reduction in intestinal amylase activity observed at the 45% RSC inclusion level. Dietary inclusion of 30-45% RSC decreased plasma glutamate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, but increased plasma adenosine monophosphate deaminase and hepatic γ-glutamyltransferase activities. This may indicate that the high substitution of FM by RSC may affect the homeostasis of amino acid metabolism. Dietary inclusion of 15% RSC did not affect serum and hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities; however, dietary inclusion of 45% RSC significantly increased plasma malondialdehyde level, but decreased catalase activity. Furthermore, dietary inclusion of 30-45% RSC significantly increased hepatic lactate dehydrogenase activity. These results demonstrated that replacing a portion of FM with RSC is feasible, and dietary inclusion of 15% RSC did not have significant adverse effects on growth performance, digestive function and antioxidant capacity of H. wyckioides.

Effects of adding mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) as a replacement for fish meal to broiler chicken diet on performance, carcass parameters, meat quality and nutrient digestibility.

The objective of the study was to investigate how substituting fish meal (FM) with mealworm larval (Tenebrio molitor L.) meal (TM) in the diet affects the growth performance, meat quality, nutrient digestibility, and carcass of broiler chicks. A total of one hundred chicks were divided into five groups, each containing twenty birds. The fish meal was replaced with mealworm meal at different levels of 25% (TM25), 50% (TM50), 75% (TM75), and 100% (TM100) in the diets. At the end of the study, replacing different levels the fish meal with mealworms linearly suppressed nutrient digestion, growth, carcass parameters, and water holding capacity and cooking loss. However, the best energy efficiency ratios were obtained in the TM100 group. Consequently, it was concluded that replacement of FM with mealworm up to 25% had no adverse effect on growth performance, carcass parameters, meat quality and nutrient utilization efficiency of broiler chickens.