A Review of the Latest Advances in Aquaculture Nutrition Research

Abstract

In recent decades, aquaculture has experienced a period of rapid expansion, which has had considerable ramifications for global food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. Concurrent advancements in aquaculture nutrition, in conjunction with technological innovations in aquafeed formulation, have resulted in a marked enhancement in the mean feed conversion ratio, alongside a sustained reduction in the use of fish-oriented resources, such as fish meal and fish oil, among all categories of species in diets. However, projections indicate a 10% increase in the global demand for aquatic animal production within the next decade. This demand, when considered in conjunction with the limited fish-oriented resources, growing demand for sustainable feed ingredients, and increasing emphasis on sustainability in relation to the ongoing expansion of aquaculture, has presented a series of challenges to both the research and industry sectors. To facilitate the transformation of the aquafeed industry from its past, resource-dependent, and consumable paradigm to a sustainable aquaculture model, it is imperative that progressive initiatives and technological innovations in the field of research further enhance the feed efficiency of low-carbon feeds and expand aquaculture production in a more efficient and emission-reducing manner. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of recent advancements in the domain of aquaculture nutrition in recent decades. To that end, it will encompass a detailed illustration of the major discoveries, theory progresses, practical problems, and strategies for sustainable aquaculture, as well as the potential applications of modern biotechnology in aquaculture nutrition. Furthermore, by elucidating these advancements and deliberating their prospective implications and applications, a paradigm shift in aquaculture practices toward greater sustainability may be precipitated. This review's overarching objective is to emphasize research gaps and domains in aquaculture nutrition, where further exploration is imperative to enable the long-term, eco-friendly expansion of aquaculture.

Keywords: aquaculture nutrition; aquafeed innovation; feed conversion ratio; precision nutrition; sustainable expansion.