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Microalgae play a vital role in the aquatic food chain and are popularly used in the rearing of molluscs, shrimps and fish at different growth stages. Algae can be used directly as a live culture or as a value-added feed supplement. The formulated, enhanced fish feed using microalgal supplementation should satisfy the nutritional requirements of the fish with a high acceptability. Scientific investigation of microalgae for their nutritional content and impact on fish health and quality for human consumption is required in order to quantify the outcome of the microalgal addition.
Aims: The major focus of the work is to evaluate algal supplementation to aquaculture feed and impact on the nutritional quality of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).
The objectives of this study are:
1. The isolation of high lipid-producing marine microalgae and to screen for potential PUFA-producing strains
2. To enhance lipid production in microalgae by optimising nutrients and cultivation conditions
Application of microalgae supplement feed will provide new business opportunities to farmers and fish feed producers and it has the potential for local communities to partake in the aquaculture industry. In the future, pilotscale algae cultivation ponds can be set up for small localities and villages, which could be a source of income. Furthermore, fish consumption with a better nutritional profile (omega fatty acids, antioxidants, etc.) will help to decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases in South Africa. The aquaculture industry in South Africa will be the principal beneficiary of the offerings, which will contribute significantly to the gross domestic product of South Africa.
Aquaculture provides almost 50% of fish for human consumption and the demand for good quality fish has increased globally. Due to the limited supply of fishmeal in fish feed, most of the feed-producing companies are using terrestrial plant-based feed ingredients. These feed sources provide basic ingredients but lack many essential ingredients, e.g. amino acids (thymine, lysine, etc.) as they cost more to add. The application of algae in the aquaculture industry can provide goodquality fish and increase profit share. Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity for the algae industry to support aquaculture.
Prof Faizal Bux Dr Faiz Ansari, Dr Sachitra Ratha, Dr Trisha Mogany and Ismail Rawat Tel: 031 373 2346 | Email: iwwt@dut.ac.za
2020-2022
R882 493.92
