Functional Additives: Shaping the Future of Aquafeeds

Short description of what will be presented during the seminar:

According to FAO, aquaculture plays a crucial role in the ongoing Blue Transformation, contributing significantly to global food security and nutrition. As the demand for seafood continues to increase, the sustainable intensification of aquaculture becomes essential to ensure responsible growth and environmental protection. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to develop and promote sustainable feed ingredients that support efficient and ethical production systems. Within this framework, functional additives have emerged as a key innovation for improving fish health, welfare, and performance while minimising ecological impact. Natural feed additives such as plant extracts, probiotics, prebiotics, yeasts, and microbial metabolites have gained increasing attention for their ability to enhance productivity and resilience in aquatic species. They contribute to improved nutrient digestibility, stabilisation of beneficial gut microflora, strengthened immune responses, and higher quality of aquaculture products. Beyond these direct biological effects, functional additives also support environmental sustainability by reducing nutrient waste, limiting the use of antibiotics, and promoting overall system efficiency. In this seminar, we will discuss why the use of functional additives is important for the future of aquaculture. The presentation will provide an overview of key examples of functional additives, including yeast based products, bioactive plant compounds, and microbial metabolites. We will also explore their potential benefits and associated risks for human health and the environment, emphasising the need for balanced and evidence based application in aquafeed formulation. By combining recent scientific findings with practical perspectives, this seminar aims to highlight how functional additives can drive the transformation towards more sustainable, efficient, and resilient aquaculture systems worldwide.

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