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Published (Version of Record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Exploring single cell microbial protein as a sustainable fishmeal alternative in yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) diets: impacts on health and gut microbiome
Journal of animal science and biotechnology, Vol.16(1), 16
2025
PMCID: PMC11787759
PMID: 39893452
Abstract
Background
With the global expansion of aquaculture and the increasing demand for fish meal, identifying appropriate and sustainable alternative protein sources for aquafeeds has become essential. Single-cell protein (SCP), derived from methanotrophic bacteria, presents a promising alternative by converting methane into protein, potentially addressing both the need for alternative protein sources and reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of SCP inclusion (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% fish meal replacement) on the health, gene expression, and gut microbiome of yellowtail kingfish (YTK, Seriola lalandi) following a 35-day growth trial.
Results
The study found that SCP inclusion at the highest level of fishmeal replacement (75%) induced a mild inflammatory response in the hindgut of the fish. However, micromorphological assessments of the hindgut, serum biochemistry, and gene expression analyses revealed no significant detrimental effects from SCP replacement. Notably, there were indications of improved lipid digestibility with SCP. Furthermore, SCP inclusion significantly enhanced microbial richness and altered the composition of the gut microbiome, introducing beneficial bacterial taxa that may contribute to improved gut health and resilience.
Conclusions
This study highlights SCP as a viable and sustainable alternative to fish meal in YTK diets. The findings suggest that SCP can be included in YTK diets without adverse health effects at moderate levels and may even offer benefits in terms of lipid digestibility and gut microbiome diversity. These results contribute to the advancement of more sustainable aquaculture practices.
Details
- Title
- Exploring single cell microbial protein as a sustainable fishmeal alternative in yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) diets: impacts on health and gut microbiome
- Authors/Creators
- Luke Pilmer - Murdoch UniversityLindsey Woolley - Murdoch UniversityAlan Lymbery - Murdoch UniversityChinh Dam - VietnamAbigail Elizur - University of the Sunshine CoastMd Javed Foysal - University of Newcastle AustraliaGavin Partridge - Murdoch University
- Publication Details
- Journal of animal science and biotechnology, Vol.16(1), 16
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 15
- Grant note
- 2017-030 / Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
- Identifiers
- 991005737635307891
- Copyright
- © Crown 2025.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems; School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.2 Marine Biology
- 3.2.116 Aquaculture Nutrition
- Web Of Science research areas
- Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
- ESI research areas
- Agricultural Sciences