Aqualyso® by Adisseo improves nutrient absorption in low fishmeal diets for gilthead seabream

Commercial feed additives that enhance digestion and nutrient absorption are vital tools in aquaculture feeds for carnivorous fish. They allow for the reduction of fishmeal content while maintaining strong production performance.

A recent study led by researchers from the University of Cádiz and the Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia (ICMAN-CSIC), in collaboration with Testing Blue SL, confirmed the potential of the lysophospholipids in Aqualyso® by Adisseo when incorporated into the diets of juvenile gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata).

A Natural Digestive Enhancer

Aqualyso® is classified as a functional additive, designed as a natural enhancer of digestive and metabolic processes. It is based on lysophospholipids and has been shown to significantly improve fat utilization and protein efficiency.

When included at just 0.1% in feed containing 10% fishmeal, the study demonstrated that Aqualyso® enhances nutrient absortion without compromising fish health or growth.

The findings, published in the scientific journal Aquaculture Reports, detail the study conducted at the Testing Blue SL facilities in Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain. These facilities are equipped with advanced recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), providing a controlled environment for accurate experimentation.

Over a four-week trial, researchers analysed the electrogenic transport of amino acids in different regions of the seabream intestine when fed diets containing Aqualyso®.

Key findings Towards a Sustainable Aquaculture Future

The study identified how Aqualyso® enhances the transport of essential amino acids in the intestine, highlighting the regions with the highest absorption capacity and the conditions required for optimal nutrient uptake.

Researchers reported a significant increase in intestinal permeability, enabiling more efficient nutrient absorption. They also observed improved electrogenic amino acid transport in the mid-intestine, which optimizes protein utilization. Furthermore, the additive reduced the accumulation of visceral and hepatic fat, redistributing lipids towards muscle tissue, ultimately enhancing fillet quality.

These benefits were achieved without any negative effects on fish growth or overall health. The redistribution of lipids to muscle tissue, one of the study’s most notable outcomes, not only improved production performance but also elevated the final product’s quality, both economically and nutritionally.

Additives like Aqualyso® represent a significant step forward in sustainable aquaculture. They reduce dependence on marine-derived ingredients, improve feed efficiency, enhance intestinal health, and ensure robusts production performance.

This groundbreaking research highlights Aqualyso® as an innovative solution to meet the challenges of modern aquaculture, balancing sustainability with profitability.