Application of novel feed additives based on botanical extracts to improve productivity and economics in aquaculture

Abstract

The strong fluctuations of feed ingredient prices in combination with low market prices for shrimp are challenging the profitability of fish and shrimp farming. This has accelerated a search for alternative formulations and feed additives to improve the cost efficiency of feeding under various scenarios of ingredient cost and availability. Whereas most of the optimizations target resolving nutritional bottlenecks in the formula, maintaining a stable and favorable gut microflora is potentially important to minimize the impact of disease events and to maximize digestive efficiency. The present paper illustrates the potential of phytobiotic feed additives to enhance aquaculture productivity and reduce the impact of diseases and parasites on farm economics. A number of novel feed additives has been derived from specific natural compounds (mostly derived from yeast and herbal extracts, so called “phytobiotics”) capable of modulating the microflora towards a favorable composition, favoring the development of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting potentially pathogenic micro-organisms and parasites. The latter strategies have the advantage of being easily applicable at the feedmill on large volumes of feed and avoiding major adaptations of the production protocols at the farm. The efficacy of different botanical products will be illustrated with results from lab and field situations for shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), Tra catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromus niloticus).