Alternative Protein Sources as Fishmeal Replacements and Their Physiological Limitations in Shrimp Feed

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Bushehr, Iran

10.22124/janb.2026.34537.1314

Abstract

The sustainable development of the shrimp farming industry is closely linked to the challenge of securing fishmeal, one of the most expensive and limited protein sources used in aquafeeds. The stagnation of global fishmeal supply at approximately five million tons per year, together with continuously increasing prices and growing competition from other industries, has posed serious economic risks to the profitability of shrimp farms. The aim of this review article is to systematically examine the latest scientific findings regarding the nutritional value, advantages, and physiological limitations of a wide range of alternative protein sources, including soybean meal, corn and wheat gluten, insect meal, single-cell proteins (SCPs), terrestrial animal by-products, fishery by-products, and micro- and macroalgae. Evidence indicates that although each of these sources can partially replace fishmeal without compromising growth performance, common biological challenges, such as imbalances in amino acid profiles—particularly lysine and methionine— the presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), deficiencies in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, and reduced palatability, limit the replacement level achievable by each source when used individually. The findings of this study emphasize that relying on a single protein source to completely eliminate fishmeal is an inefficient approach. In contrast, integrating advanced biotechnological processes, such as microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis, with multi-protein formulation strategies and the use of functional feed additives represents the most effective approach for developing sustainable, cost-effective, and fishmeal-free diets for modern aquaculture.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Aquatic Animals Nutrition

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 September 2026

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