Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Application of fruit and vegetable processing by-products as ingredients in aquafeed

Sílvia Lourenço; Marta Neves; Elsa M. Gonçalves; L.C. Roseiro; Ana Pombo; Délio Raimundo; Joaquina Pinheiro

Discover Food · 2025

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Summary

This paper examines the potential of by-products generated during fruit and vegetable processing — such as pomace, peels, seeds, and pulp residues — as value-added ingredients in aquaculture feed formulations. Drawing on existing literature and likely compositional data, the study assesses the nutritional and functional characteristics of these by-products in the context of sustainable aquafeed development. The work contributes to circular economy objectives by identifying pathways to reduce food processing waste whilst addressing resource pressures on conventional aquafeed raw materials such as fishmeal and soybean.

UK applicability

The UK has an active aquaculture sector, particularly in Scotland, and faces similar pressures to reduce reliance on fishmeal and improve feed sustainability; findings on by-product valorisation from EU processing industries would be broadly applicable to UK aquafeed formulation and waste-reduction policy, particularly in the context of post-Brexit agri-food sustainability strategies.

Key measures

Proximate composition (protein, lipid, fibre, ash content); phenolic content; antioxidant activity; feed conversion indicators; nutritional suitability for aquafeed formulation

Outcomes reported

The study likely evaluated the nutritional composition, functional properties, and suitability of fruit and vegetable processing by-products as partial or full replacements for conventional aquafeed ingredients. It probably assessed nutrient profiles, palatability, and potential impacts on fish growth or feed quality.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Aquaculture feed & circular food systems
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Portugal
System type
Aquaculture
DOI
10.1007/s44187-025-00309-6
Catalogue ID
NRmo3f02hq-0bd

Topic tags

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