Introduction
The development of sustainable and efficient feed additives is a major priority in aquaculture. Marine peptide concentrates, derived from high-quality marine ingredients, have emerged as promising ingredients due to their digestibility, balanced amino acid profiles, and potential functional benefits. However, species-specific responses and optimal inclusion levels must be carefully evaluated. This review summarises results from four feeding trials in three commercially important species, exploring the use of a marine peptide concentrate (Pepsea F) across different inclusion levels and diet formulations. Particular attention is given to the functional role of the additive in enhancing growth and feed efficiency under varying nutritional contexts.
Material and methods
Four independent trials were conducted under controlled conditions using sea bream (Sparus aurata), catfish (Clarias sp.), and shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Experimental diets were formulated with different fish meal (FM) levels (7%–20%), reflecting both reduced and moderate FM strategies. Pepsea F was incorporated at inclusion levels ranging from 0.4% to 2.6%, while the product was not used in control feeds. Husbandry and feeding protocols differed by species and life stage. Growth performance parameters including feed intake, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival were recorded and statistically analysed (p < 0.05).
Results & conclusions
In Trial 1, sea bream fed a 10% FM feed supplemented with 2.6% Pepsea F for 10 weeks showed a significant 10% increase in feed intake, 12% improvement in growth, and 17% improvement in FCR relative to the control group.
In Trial 2, sea bream fed a 20%FM feed supplemented with 0.6% Pepsea F showed a significant 3% increase in feed intake and 4% improvement in growth after 11 weeks and compared to the control feed.
In Trial 3, catfish fed a feed containing 8% FM and 0.4% Pepsea F achieved a significant 10% higher feed intake, 3% greater growth performance, and 5% better FCR (not significant) after 8 weeks and in relation to the control feed.
In Trial 4, shrimp fed a 7% FM feed and supplemented with 0.5% Pepsea F over 7 weeks exhibited a significant 21% increase in feed intake and a numerically 3% improvement in growth in relation to the control group.
Overall, Pepsea F at both low (0.4 – 0.6%) and higher (2.6%) inclusion levels showed efficacy to improve the performance quality of a range of feed formulations and in different species. These trials demonstrate that Pepsea F can function as both palatability enhancer and performance booster and stands as an alternative to gain flexibility in formulation without compromising productivity.