Current Status and Trend on the Adoption of Fish Feed Additives for Sustainable Tilapia Aquaculture Production: A Review

Abstract

During fish feed production, feed additives are regarded as an essential component of the fish diet. The use of feed additives in fish feed is essential for boosting the growth and immunity of cultured fish. The aim of this study was therefore to make a comprehensive review of the Current Status and Trend in the Adoption of these fish feed additives for Sustainable tilapia production. An exploratory research design was used in the study to review and comprehend various peer-reviewed papers published in national and international publications on issues surrounding fish feed additives currently used in tilapia aquaculture production and the current and future prospect of essential fish feed additives in use. Feed additives are ingredients that are added in small quantities to fish diets to enhance nutrients and preserve the feed. Preservatives, binders, feeding stimulants, and food colourants constitute common feed additives. With increased growth in aquaculture, the use of additives must be promoted in order to optimize the production of farmed fish. The aim of feed additives in fish feed is to promote healthier and faster fish growth in cultured fish. As a result, fish diets should incorporate the right quantities of feed additives. The conclusions drawn succinctly suggest that fish feed with no feed additives is comparable to "a vehicle without fuel" and should be regarded as poor feed when fed to fish in a culture system. And the end result will be a poor fish growth rate, less resistance to diseases, and hence low productivity in an aquaculture production system.