Exploring the Potentials of Sajana (Moringa oleifera Lam.) as a Plant-Based Feed Ingredient to Sustainable and Good Aquaculture Practices: An Analysis of Growth Performance and Health Benefits

Abstract

As aquaculture increasingly seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional feed ingredients such as fishmeal and fish oil, Moringa oleifera, an eco-friendly and widely available plant, has emerged as a promising plant-based feed ingredient. This review synthesizes research from 1988 to 2024, sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate, to evaluate the nutritional and medicinal potentials of M. oleifera in aquaculture feeds. Rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins (A, C, and E), minerals (calcium, iron, and potassium), and polyunsaturated fatty acids, M. oleifera offers significant benefits. Its leaves, flowers, and rhizomes utilized as crude extracts or bioactive compounds promote growth, enhance immunity, and provide antimicrobial defense against parasites, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Studies demonstrate its effectiveness in improving growth, nutrition, and hematology in aquaculture species while lowering production costs. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties attributed to phenolic and bioactive compounds, bolster fish health, and resilience. This review underscores the potential of M. oleifera to advance sustainable aquaculture practices through its dual nutritional and medicinal benefits.