The moderate inclusion of mycoprotein, derived from the fungus Paecilomyces variotii, in the weaning diets of gilthead sea bream larvae contributes to improving their growth and survival. Furthermore, it enhances their response capacity against bacterial diseases, according to a study by the ECOAQUA University Institute at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). These findings open new avenues for developing more sustainable aquaculture feeds, reducing reliance on fishmeal.
The study, published in the scientific journal Fish and Shellfish Immunology, evaluated the potential of mycoprotein produced from the filamentous fungus Paecilomyces variotii. This fungus, of high nutritional value, is sourced from by-products and waste from the timber and cellulose industry, serving as an alternative ingredient in the larval feed for gilthead sea bream. This species is a cornerstone of Mediterranean marine aquaculture and represents a significant economic resource for both Canary Islands and Spain.
The research addresses one of the major challenges in the aquaculture sector: finding sustainable protein sources capable of partially or totally replacing fishmeal without affecting animal growth, health, or welfare. The increasing global demand for aquatic foods and the need to reduce pressure on fish stocks drive the search for alternative ingredients with a lower environmental impact.
The scientific team designed four experimental diets. Over 18 days, 18,000 28-day-old gilthead sea bream larvae were fed these diets at the ECOAQUA facilities. Parameters related to growth, survival, body composition, intestinal and hepatic health, as well as immune response to experimental exposure to the bacterium Vibrio anguillarum, were analyzed.
