Development of alternative sustainable fish feeds to promote human health using novel non-conventional indigenous ingredients. (Sustainable New Ingredients to Promote Health (SNIPH)
BBSRC Grant Reference
BB/N005031/1
Grant Amount
£251,823.09
UK Lead Principal Investigator
Name
Prof Douglas Tocher
Organization
University of Stirling, Scotland
International Partners working on the award:
Name
Prof Brett Glencross
Organization
University of Stirling, Scotland
Name
William Leschen
Organization
University of Stirling, Scotland
Name
Dr. Adam Hughes
Organization
Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scotland
Name
Dr. Nazael Madalla
Organization
Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
Name
Stephano Karoza
Organization
Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
Name
Dr Patricia Muendo
Organization
Machakos University
Name
Domiziano Maingi
Organization
Aquaculture Association of Kenya, Kenya
Name
Stanley Mworia
Organization
Aquaculture Association of Kenya, Kenya
Name
Mary Opiyo
Organization
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
Name
Dr. Paul Orina
Organization
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
Name
Dr. Kevin Mbogo
Organization
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Name
Prof Rina Chakrabarti
Organization
University of Delhi, India
Name
Prof Ramaballav Roy
Organization
University of Goa, India
Name
Prof. Padmakumar Padmakumar
Organization
Kerala University, India
Name
Dr. JaiGopal Sharma
Organization
Delhi Technical University, India
Name
Dr Cecile Brugere
Organization
Soulfish Consultancy
Section 2: Introduction/Objective
An inter-disciplinary large scale collaborative research that was funded by BBSRC/DFID to investigate development of alternative sustainable fish feeds using novel non-conventional indigenous ingredients to promote human health. The research aimed at improving the Omega – 3 status of farmed fish (Carp & Tilapia) in Kenya, India and Tanzania for the benefit of local populations. It assessed the feasibility and potential of aquatic Macrophytes as ingredients for fish feeds. Selected novel ingredients were tested for their ability to not only support growth, and health of the farmed fish, but also, their ability to enhance nutritional quality through enhanced Omega 3 content.
Key Outputs and Impacts
The project work confirmed that Macrophytes have a capacity to increase fatty acid levels in cultured tilapia, and this has the potential to improve the health of the consumers. Based on results from macrophyte culture trials, the project developed and disseminated guidelines for culture of macrophytes and their incorporation in fish feeds. The culture of macrophytes not only offers a potential alternative to fish meal in fish feed manufacture, but also a potential alternative livelihood to farmers. Dissemination of project results/outputs also offered an opportunity for sensitization of farmers, consumers and other aquaculture stakeholders on health benefits of omega 3 fats. The project works and related interactions opened potential opportunities for further collaborative research (locally, regionally and internationally) on different aspects of the use of macrophytes in the aquafeed industry. Post project efforts will focus on building collaborative research and partnerships between academic, research institutions and industry players on various aspects on commercialization of macrophyte culture and potential utilization as an alternative feed ingredient.
