Prebiotic emergent sources for aquaculture: Microalgae and insects

Abstract

The accelerated growth of aquaculture has encouraged the search for new techniques and inputs to increase the yield of various aquaculture species, considering the health and welfare of the organisms. Functional food development for fish nourishment includes ingredients containing bioactive compounds, such as prebiotics, that generate favorable immune responses. Non-digestible oligosaccharides function as growth promoters of the intestinal microbiota, improving nutrient absorption and enhancing the fish immune system. Therefore, the inclusion of new prebiotic-rich ingredients in the feed of aquatic organisms has generated interest. This article reviews the use of microalgae and insects as functional ingredients which provide quality macronutrients and contain different bioactive compounds that have been reported to have immunostimulatory effects. Their chemical composition is described, and their potential use as prebiotics for developing functional food for aquaculture is discussed.