Recent Developments and Applications of Vegetable Oil in Fish Feed

Abstract

Dietary lipids play a vital role in providing essential fatty acids that are crucial for the regulation of growth, health, reproduction, and overall physiological functions of fish. Traditionally, fish oil (FO) has served as the primary lipid source in commercial fish feed. However, due to the dwindling availability and escalating costs of FO, the sustainable growth of aquaculture has been hindered. On the other hand, vegetable oil (VO) has emerged as a promising alternative lipid source for fish diets, owing to its abundance, cost-effectiveness, and rich content of essential C18 fatty acids. While numerous studies have explored the impact of VO on fish growth and health, it has been noted that most VO cannot entirely replace FO in the diet due to its adverse effects. Hence, current research suggests that innovative strategies such as genetic modification, nutritional programming, and supplementation with functional compounds may help alleviate the negative effects associated with dietary VO. Given the critical need to seek alternative lipid sources in fish feed to address the limited global supply of FO, coupled with the cost-effectiveness and nutrient content of VO, it is imperative to further investigate their application in fish feed formulations to support sustainable fish production.

Practical Applications: This review highlights the importance of finding alternative lipid sources for fish feed in order to support sustainable aquaculture growth. Incorporating vegetable oil (VO) into fish diets can help alleviate the reliance on fish oil, which is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. However, it is essential to consider the potential negative effects of VO and explore innovative strategies to mitigate these effects. By continuing to research and develop new techniques, such as genetic modification and nutritional programming, we can optimize the use of VO in fish feed formulations to promote healthy growth and reproduction in fish. Overall, this review emphasizes the significance of exploring alternative lipid sources in fish feed to ensure the long-term viability of aquaculture production.