In the quest to enhance aquaculture productivity and sustainability, researchers have turned to nature’s bounty for innovative solutions. A recent study published in the journal Aquaculture Reports, titled “Effects of dietary Alpinia oxyphylla extract on growth indices, muscle composition, antioxidant status, immunity, and ammonia resistance of juvenile ivory shell (Babylonia areolata),” offers promising insights into the potential benefits of plant extracts in aquaculture.
Led by Teng Li, a researcher at the Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals and the Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, the study explores the impacts of dietary Alpinia oxyphylla extract (AO) on various aspects of juvenile ivory shell (Babylonia areolata) health and growth.
The ivory shell, a commercially valuable marine gastropod, is prized for its meat and shell. However, its cultivation faces challenges such as slow growth rates and susceptibility to environmental stressors. The study aimed to address these issues by investigating the effects of AO, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The researchers formulated six experimental diets with varying levels of AO (0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 g/kg diet) and fed them to juvenile ivory shells for eight weeks. The results were promising. “We observed significant improvements in growth indices, muscle composition, antioxidant status, immunity, and ammonia resistance in the AO-fed groups,” said Li.
Notably, the weight gain rate and specific growth rate were higher in the groups fed with 2 and 4 g/kg AO. The muscle crude protein content was also significantly higher in these groups, while the crude lipid content decreased, indicating a potential improvement in meat quality. “These findings suggest that AO supplementation can enhance the overall growth performance and meat quality of ivory shells,” Li explained.
The study also revealed that AO supplementation boosted the antioxidant status of the ivory shells. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, which are crucial for combating oxidative stress, were significantly increased in the AO-fed groups. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was higher, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, an indicator of oxidative stress, was lower in the AO3 and AO4 groups.
The immune response of the ivory shells was also enhanced by AO supplementation. Acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities, which play roles in immune defense, were significantly higher in the AO-fed groups. Additionally, AO supplementation induced the expression of several immune-related genes in the hepatopancreas, further highlighting its potential as an immune booster.
One of the most significant findings was the improved ammonia resistance in the AO-fed ivory shells. Ammonia is a common pollutant in aquaculture systems, and its accumulation can stress and harm aquatic organisms. The study found that ivory shells fed with 2–4 g/kg AO showed a higher survival rate under ammonia stress, suggesting that AO could help mitigate the adverse effects of ammonia pollution in aquaculture.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As Li noted, “Our findings could pave the way for the development of novel feed additives that can enhance the growth, health, and resilience of commercially important marine species like the ivory shell.” This could not only boost aquaculture productivity but also contribute to the sustainability of the industry by reducing the need for antibiotics and other chemical additives.
Moreover, the study’s findings could have broader applications in the energy sector. The ivory shell is not just a food source but also a potential bioindicator for environmental monitoring. Its enhanced resilience to ammonia stress could make it a valuable tool for assessing water quality and pollution levels in coastal and marine environments.
In conclusion, this study offers a glimpse into the potential of plant extracts in revolutionizing aquaculture practices. As researchers continue to explore the benefits of AO and other natural compounds, the future of aquaculture looks increasingly promising. The study, published in Aquaculture Reports, translates to “Aquaculture Reports” in English, underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing the challenges and opportunities in the field of aquaculture.