In the vast and dynamic world of aquaculture, innovation is the key to sustainability and profitability. A groundbreaking study led by Wenshan Cai from the Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Feed at Guangdong Ocean University has shed new light on how to mitigate the effects of oxidized fish oil in fish feed, a common issue that can significantly impact the health and growth of farmed fish. The study, published in ‘Aquaculture Reports’ (translated to English from the Chinese title ‘水产报告’), focuses on the hybrid grouper, a species of high commercial value in the aquaculture industry.
The research delves into the potential of Lactobacillus pentosus (LP), a probiotic bacterium, to counteract the detrimental effects of oxidized fish oil. Oxidized fish oil is a byproduct of the fish oil production process, and its presence in fish feed can lead to reduced growth performance and compromised liver function in fish. The study found that supplementing the diet of hybrid grouper with LP significantly improved growth performance, serum biochemistry, and liver function.
Cai and his team conducted a series of experiments where they fed hybrid grouper diets containing varying levels of LP. The results were striking. Groupers fed with a diet containing 1×109 cfu/g of LP showed growth performance comparable to those fed with fresh fish oil, a stark contrast to the groupers fed with oxidized fish oil alone. “The addition of 1×109 cfu/g LP promoted the decomposition of lipids and antioxidant capacity of the liver, thereby resisting the damage of oxidized fish oil to grouper,” Cai explained. This finding is a game-changer for the aquaculture industry, as it provides a viable solution to a long-standing problem.
The study also revealed that LP supplementation led to increased expression of genes related to lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity in the liver. This suggests that LP not only helps in breaking down lipids but also enhances the fish’s ability to combat oxidative stress. The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the aquaculture industry, it means reduced waste and increased efficiency, as oxidized fish oil can now be repurposed rather than discarded. For the energy sector, which often relies on fish oil as a byproduct of fish processing, this research opens up new avenues for sustainable and profitable use of oxidized fish oil.
The findings of this study could revolutionize the way aquaculture and energy sectors approach fish oil utilization. By leveraging the power of probiotics like LP, these industries can reduce waste, improve fish health, and ultimately, enhance the sustainability of their operations. As the demand for seafood continues to rise, innovations like this will be crucial in meeting global food security needs while minimizing environmental impact. The research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex challenges in aquaculture and energy sectors.