ARTICLE F&A Alternative Proteins Edition April 2023 59 that it promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in fish (Rimoldi, et. al., 2019) These bacteria can help improve the digestive capacity of fish by breaking down complex carbohydrates and other nutrients so that they can be better absorbed by the fish. In addition, chitin has been shown to have immune-stimulating properties, meaning it can boost fish's immune function and help them fight off pathogens and diseases. Studies have shown that the inclusion of chitin in aquaculture feeds can improve survival rates and overall fish growth (Rodolfo et. al., 2016). MICRONUTRIENTS Insect meal is also a valuable source of micronutrients that are important for fish health and performance. Insects are rich in a range of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, such as iron, calcium, and zinc. These nutrients are important for a number of physiological processes in fish, such as bone formation, immune function, and energy metabolism. For example, BSFL meals contain 5-9 % calcium. Calcium is an important mineral in aquaculture diets as it is essential for various physiological processes, including bone and shell formation, muscle function, blood clotting, and nerve function. Calcium is particularly important for species that have hard shells or skeletons, such as crustaceans and bivalves, as well as for bony fish species. Calcium deficiency in these species can result in weakened shells or bones, poor growth, and reduced survival. Calcium is also important for the health and growth of fish and other aquatic animals that do not have hard structures. Calcium plays a role in muscle and nerve function, and deficiency can result in reduced appetite, poor growth, and increased susceptibility to disease. Including insect meal in aquaculture feed formulations can help meet the nutritional needs of fish without the need for synthetic micronutrient supplements. Figure 1. Average individual weight gain (g) of Macrobrachium tenellum Juvenile prawns: effect of chitin level in diet. The same letters represent no differences between treatments (P = 0.05). Bars represent the amount of chitin in each treatment. Whisker lines are SE from the mean (Rodolfo et. al., 2016)
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