Vol. 11, Special Issue 5 (2022)

Author(s):
Grishma Tewari and Rajinder Kaur

Abstract:
The global demand for aqua feed have intensified owing to the spectacular growth in the aquaculture sector with the advancement of culture practices which further relies on the availability of cost-effective and quality feeds. Addressing the role of nutrition and feeding for the sustained development of aquaculture practices, the use of expensive animal protein sources and artificial feed additives is being discouraged along with exploration of alternative cost effective and ecofriendly options throughout the world. In view of that information on non-conventional plant resources as fish feed ingredient has been reviewed in this article. Various plants and their non-edible parts contribute towards desirable traits in aquaculture, like-growth promotion, reproductive promotion, immuno-stimulation, disease resistance, color enhancement etc for enhanced fish production and productivity. To avail these properties, the waste of fruits and vegetables, non- edible parts of plants, aquatic weeds, part of flowers etc. can be utilized in aquafeed to enhance the desirable attributes in fish produce in a sustainable way without putting extra pressure on ecosystem. The present review concludes that integration of feeding management practices with cost effective and pro-environmental approach is the key to sustainable aquaculture.