Nonconventional Feed Resources for Sustainable Aquaculture: A Review

Author: Khangembam Brajamani Meetei, Bijayalakshmi Devi Nongmaithem, and Ajit Kumar Ngangbam

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Abstract

The increasing need for aquafeeds has greatly strained conventional feed components like fish meal (FM), fish oil (FO), and soybean meal (SM), and raising concerns about sustainability, expense, and ecological damage. In order to meet those challenges, nonconventional feed resources have emerged to economically replace conventionally used feeds. Agricultural wastes, insect meal, earthworm meal, blood meal, tadpole meal, and aquatic plants are common examples of NCFRs, which are economically feasible and environmentally friendly, while achieving optimal fish growth, health, and feed efficiency. NCFRs further enhance resource use efficiency, waste recycling, and reduction in reliance on unsustainably harvested marine resources. However, nutrient inconsistency within these NCFRs along with anti-nutritional characteristics, low digestibility values, and policy restrictions must be addressed properly via advance feed processing techniques. This review aims to evaluate the prospects of including NCFRs in aquafeeds in terms of their nutritional profile, agro processing methods, advantages, and difficulties, particularly in the context of sustainable aquaculture development

Keywords

Sustainability, Aquaculture Nutrition, Insect meal, By-products, Waste Utilization

Conclusion

NCFRs offers the potential to improve aquaculture’s sustainability by decreasing the reliance on conventional ingredients such as fishmeal and soybean meal. These feed alternatives not only come from agricultural waste, aquatic vegetation, and animal proteins like insect larvae and earthworm meal, but also promote the principles of circular economy through waste valorisation and eco-friendliness. Although challenges with nutrient variability, anti-nutritional components, and digestibility are present, newer feed processing technologies like fermentation, enzymatic hydrolysis, and extrusion can improve their nutritional value and digestibility. The aquaculture industry’s shift towards more affordable and greener practices, all while preserving food security, can help counter their ecological challenge NCFRs aid in value addition, however, more investigation in restricting feed formulation, regulatory policies, and long-term impacts on the fish’s health and growth performance is essential. For the increased adoption and commercialization of these alternate feed resources, more integration between researchers, lawmakers, and industry experts is necessary

References

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How to cite this article

Khangembam Brajamani Meetei, Bijayalakshmi Devi Nongmaithem, and Ajit Kumar Ngangbam (2025). Nonconventional Feed Resources for Sustainable Aquaculture: A Review. Biological Forum, 17(3): 73-77