Plant-derived protein sources, also referred to as phytogenics, have been widely used in fish feed due to their availability in the market, high palatability, wide distribution, and acceptable nutritional quality. Despite these advantages, there are several potential adverse effects of diets based on plant ingredients, algae, or other alternative sources for salmonid species. These adverse effects include intestinal problems resulting from inflammatory processes, characterized by alterations in intestinal morphology and functionality, which can be harmful to fish.
The “Marine Animal Health” research team (RP3) at the Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR) has collected significant information regarding studies on the utilization of phytogenic products and their incorporation into functional fish diets, which aim to alleviate some of the identified issues. This information and compilation are presented in the Policy Brief titled “Phytogenic additives applied in functional diets for the enhancement of salmonid health” authored by Natacha Santibáñez, Tatiana Pérez, Luis Vargas, and Alex Romero.
Through this document, INCAR aims to inform society, the aquaculture industry, and authorities about the study and development of these new effective and environmentally friendly therapeutic alternatives, to consider their application aimed at improving the health and well-being of farmed fish.
Furthermore, the document recommends changes and innovation in public policies, based on a more cohesive interaction between science, business, and innovation, to address strategic sectoral issues within the framework of the ecosystem approach to aquaculture.
The full document can be reviewed and downloaded here.
