Evaluation of the nutritional value of fermented pangasius fish waste and its potential as a poultry feed supplement.

Background and aim: The increasing global demand for sustainable and nutrient-dense poultry feed necessitates innovative approaches to utilize byproducts such as pangasius fish waste. This study explores the potential of bioconverted fermented pangasius fish waste (FPW) produced through microbial fermentation as a poultry feed supplement.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, bioconversion of pangasius fish waste utilized a microbial consortium (PaRmYl: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Rhizopus microsporus, and Yarrowia lipolytica) at varying inoculum doses (5%, 10%, and 20%) and fermentation durations (2, 4, and 8 days). Nutritional content, enzyme activity, and antioxidant properties were analyzed. The second stage involved biological testing on 90 broiler chickens (randomized into three treatment groups with 30 replications each) to assess digestibility and nitrogen retention of FPW-based feed.

Results: Fermentation with a 10% inoculum dose over 4 days yielded the optimal nutritional composition, with crude protein content increasing to 37.27%, enhanced amino acid (EAA/NEAA ratio: 0.88), and fatty acid profiles (notably ω-3 and ω-6). Protease and lipase activity peaked at 1.49 U/mL and 1.21 U/mL, respectively, with antioxidant activity showing an IC50 value of 39.84 ppm. Biological tests demonstrated significantly higher dry matter digestibility (75.53%) and nitrogen retention (75.53%) in broilers fed FPW compared to non-fermented feed.

Conclusion: FPW, produced through microbial bioconversion, offers a sustainable and cost-effective poultry feed supplement, enhancing digestibility and nutrient retention while addressing environmental concerns related to fish processing waste.