Review on Enzymes as Fish Feed Additives

By : M. Muthu Abishag , C. Judith Betsy

Page No: 59-77

Abstract
In the recent years, replacement of fishmeal with plant-based protein ingredients is the priority area of research in the globally expanding aquaculture industry. However it brings in issues of poor digestion and low feed efficiency because of the presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANTs), non[1]starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and trypsin inhibitors in vegetable protein sources. Exogenous enzyme supplementation besides digesting these anti nutritional factors also helps in better digestion and utilization of nutrients in aqua feeds, improving FCR and reducing water pollution. Most commonly used enzyme additives are phytase, carbohydrases like a-amylase, b-mannanase, a-galactosidase, xylanase, cellulase and pectinase, protease and lipase to a small amount. In this regard, focus needs to be given on the feed processing methods for the efficient enzyme delivery system to increase their thermal tolerance. This paper provides an overview on the importance of enzyme supplementation, commonly used enzyme supplements, issues to be addressed along with a note on thrust areas of research.

Authors :
M. Muthu Abishag and C. Judith Betsy
Department of Aquaculture, Fisheries College & Research Institute, Tuticorin, India.