Dissertation
Seaweed as a functional ingredient in the diet of farmed fish
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00095
Abstract
Aquaculture provides 50% of the fish we eat today, however the growth and the sustainability of this industry is threatened by disease outbreaks claiming 10% of global aquaculture production and costing more than AU$8.2 billion/year. Current treatments, particularly antibiotics, are of increasing concern regarding both human and environmental health (e.g. antibiotic resistance) and climate change will only exacerbate the severity and frequency of disease outbreaks. Alternatives to traditional veterinary drugs are therefore a necessity to support the long-term sustainable development of aquaculture.
Functional ingredients are a promising alternative, because they can boost the immune system of fish and enhance their resistance to disease without posing a threat to human and environmental health. Seaweeds are one type of functional ingredient receiving increasing attention because of their diverse taxonomy (~11,353 species) and the array of bioactive compounds they produce, representing a unique and largely untapped source of potential functional ingredients. Since no synthesis of the work done on seaweed as a functional ingredient for fish had been done, I first conducted a systematic review of the dietary effects of seaweed on fish immunity, resistance to disease and growth (Chapter 2). In this meta-analysis review of 142 studies I found that dietary supplementation with seaweeds or their extracts had substantial positive impacts on the health and growth of fish, particularly when provided in combination with other immunostimulants. This review also highlighted two significant knowledge gaps: 1) only a very small number of seaweed species have been tested (42 species out of 11, 353) and 2) there was a clear underrepresentation of marine herbivores (2 studies out of 142) in feeding trials.
Details
- Title
- Seaweed as a functional ingredient in the diet of farmed fish
- Authors
- Valentin Thépot
- Contributors
- Nick Paul (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringAlexandra Campbell (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyMike Rimmer (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00095
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Biomedicine; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99575107602621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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