Lyso-phospholipids Improve Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency in F…

Lyso-phospholipids, commonly referred to as lysolecithin, are derived from the hydrolysis of lecithin, a process that results in the removal of a fatty acid molecule from phospholipid structures. This structural alteration significantly enhances their hydrophilicity, making lyso-phospholipids (LPLs) highly effective emulsifiers. When integrated into aquafeeds, LPLs play a crucial role in dispersing dietary fats, which in turn increases the surface area available for lipase action, thereby facilitating enhanced nutrient digestion.

As the aquaculture sector seeks to meet increasing global demand for fish protein, the formulation of feeds has evolved significantly. Notably, there has been a shift towards incorporating alternative ingredients, such as plant-based proteins, in efforts to reduce dependence on traditional fishmeal and fish oil. However, these alternative ingredients often present challenges, including diminished palatability and digestibility, which can lead to lower feed intake, inefficient nutrient absorption, and heightened waste generation. Despite the growing prevalence of alternative feed ingredients, fishmeal remains a staple in many aquafeeds, particularly those designed for high-performance applications.

The feeding habits of different freshwater fish species play a pivotal role in addressing nutritional challenges. For instance, the largemouth bass is a carnivorous species with a natural preference for animal-based protein sources, which necessitates high-protein diets that closely align with their natural feeding behavior. Consequently, this often requires the inclusion of fishmeal within their feed formulations. Conversely, tilapia are omnivorous and exhibit a natural inclination towards plant-based materials, allowing them to more easily accept feed formulations that incorporate alternative protein sources, such as soybean meal or other plant-derived ingredients.

Despite these variations in dietary preferences, both species face the risk of impaired nutrient absorption and increased waste generation when feed formulations are not optimized. This concern is particularly critical in freshwater aquaculture systems, where the accumulation of uneaten feed and nutrient waste can lead to environmental challenges, given the typically closed or semi-closed nature of these systems. To counter these adverse effects, functional feed additives have emerged as a viable solution, specifically designed to enhance nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism.

Role of Lyso-Phospholipids as Digestive and Metabolic Enhancers

Lyso-phospholipids (LPLs) serve as effective digestive and metabolic enhancers, attributable to their capacity to improve feed efficiency and promote growth performance. These LPLs, formed through the hydrolysis of lecithin, enhance their hydrophilic nature, thus functioning as potent emulsifiers. When integrated into aquafeeds, LPLs facilitate the dispersion of dietary fats, increasing the available surface area for lipase action and, consequently, optimizing nutrient digestion. Moreover, LPLs enhance cell membrane fluidity and permeability, facilitating the effective transport of active nutrients across the gut epithelium.

Two feeding trials were conducted with freshwater fish species to assess the efficacy of the LPL-based additive, AQUALYSO, under diverse feeding habits and rearing conditions.

Trial 1: Efficacy of LPL Supplementation in High Fish Meal Feed for Largemouth Bass

The first trial, conducted by East China Normal University, aimed to evaluate the impact of AQUALYSO (0.03%) on the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and fat metabolism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed a diet high in fishmeal. The results, recently published in Aquaculture Nutrition, indicated that the dietary supplementation of AQUALYSO led to a notable improvement in growth and feed conversion efficiency, with increases of 11% and 5%, respectively, compared to the control group. Additionally, the treatment resulted in a significant reduction in lipid accumulation in both the mesentery and liver, highlighting the optimized lipid utilization and maintaining metabolic health critical for energy availability for growth.

Trial 2: Efficacy of LPL Supplementation in Plant-Based Feed for Tilapia in Low-Temperature Conditions

The second trial, in collaboration with Testing Blue (Spain), focused on assessing the efficacy of AQUALYSO (0.025%) in promoting feed intake and growth performance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed a plant-based diet and subjected to cold temperature conditions. Results demonstrated that AQUALYSO supplementation resulted in numerical improvements of 10% and 12% in feed intake and weight gain, respectively. Furthermore, fat deposition in the liver and viscera was reduced, aiding in the alleviation of metabolic issues commonly associated with low-temperature conditions and excessive lipid accumulation.

Conclusions

The findings from these trials reinforce the efficacy of the LPL-based AQUALYSO in enhancing growth performance and health in fish. By supporting improved nutrient digestion, absorption, and utilization, AQUALYSO demonstrates its potential to benefit both carnivorous and herbivorous freshwater fish species, whether raised under optimal or challenging conditions.

References

1. Bao M., Wang Z., Nuez-Ortín W.G., Zhao G., Dehasque M., Du Z., Zhang M. (2024). Comparison of Lysophospholipids and Bile Acids on the Growth Performance, Lipid Deposition, and Intestinal Health of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), Aquaculture Nutrition, 1518809, 13 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1518809

About Marleen Dehasque

Marleen Dehasque holds a Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering from the University of Ghent, Belgium. With over 30 years of experience in R&D, product management, and business development in multinational aquafeed companies, she has developed specific expertise in live feed, larval and pre-growing nutrition, and feed technology. As an independent consultant, she has aided in developing novel feed ingredients in aquaculture. Since 2019, she has served as Global Product Manager for Aquaculture Nutrition, overseeing the development and customer support of a diverse portfolio of aquaculture additives focused on digestive/metabolic enhancement, palatability, feed quality, and specialty nutrition.

About Dr. Waldo Nuez

Dr. Waldo Nuez possesses a robust background in aquatic nutrition and health, supported by 16 years of combined experience in academia and industry. His previous academic research focused on understanding how production strategies and environmental stressors impact growth efficiency, health, and product quality. As a product manager, he has been responsible for product strategy, portfolio development, and customer support for aqua additives. Dr. Nuez holds a Ph.D. in Aquaculture Nutrition from the University of Tasmania (Australia), an MSc in Animal Nutrition from the University of Saskatchewan (Canada), and a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Zaragoza (Spain). He currently serves as the Head of Aquaculture Technical & Scientific Support.

About Dr. Guillermo Bardera

Dr. Guillermo Bardera is the Global Technical & Scientific Support Manager for Aquaculture Nutrition at Adisseo. Based in Spain, he works under Dr. Waldo Nuez, the Global R&D Manager for Aquaculture. Dr. Bardera obtained his Ph.D. focusing on the feeding behavior of Pacific white shrimp, specifically their response to novel feed additives. His doctoral research has garnered several prestigious awards. Previously, he served as Study Director at Moredun Scientific, where he managed a diverse portfolio of research projects in animal health and aquaculture nutrition. Dr. Bardera is also an active member of the editorial board for Reviews in Aquaculture.