Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Single cell protein from methanotrophic bacteria as an alternative healthy and functional protein source in aquafeeds, a holistic approach in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles

Alberto Ruiz, Ignasi Sanahuja, Nana W. Thorringer, Julie C. Lynegaard, Eleni Ntokou, Dolors Furones, Enric Gisbert

Aquaculture · 2023

Read source ↗ All evidence

Summary

This 2023 study assessed single-cell protein from methanotrophic bacteria as a functional and sustainable alternative protein ingredient for juvenile rainbow trout aquafeeds. The research employed a holistic evaluation framework examining growth, feed utilisation, digestive physiology, and health outcomes to establish functional equivalence to conventional protein sources. The work supports circular-economy approaches in aquaculture by exploring biotechnology-derived, potentially lower-impact protein alternatives to fishmeal and plant-based ingredients.

Regional applicability

Whilst the study's geography is not specified in the available metadata, the findings would be applicable to United Kingdom aquaculture operations if replicated in comparable freshwater or recirculating systems. The sustainability angle aligns with UK policy interest in reducing aquaculture's environmental footprint and import dependence on fishmeal.

Key measures

Growth performance metrics (likely weight gain, specific growth rate), feed conversion ratio, digestive enzyme activity, nutrient digestibility, gut health markers, and potentially immune function indicators

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated single-cell protein (SCP) derived from methanotrophic bacteria as a sustainable protein source in rainbow trout feeds, likely measuring growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, digestive physiology, and health markers.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Aquaculture & fisheries
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Aquaculture
DOI
10.1016/j.aquaculture.2023.739861
Catalogue ID
SNmq0elfc3-kf4bsf

Topic tags

Pulse AI · ask about this record

Dig deeper with Pulse AI.

Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.