Modulation of Muscle Growth Related Genes in Fish in Response to Plant Based Ingredients

Fish meal and fish oil have been the mostly used ingredients (protein and lipid respectively) in aquaculture feeds due to their excellent source of well-balanced amino acid profile and n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) respectively. However, due to escalating prices and fluctuation in production, there are calls for alternative protein and lipid sources to be used. Plant based ingredients have been recognized as alternatives that could enhance growth performance as well as reduction in cost of production. The regulation of muscle growth by plant based lipids and protein is not fully elucidated. Growth performance and muscle growth of fish is affected by diets. Acceleration of growth through alteration of genes by diets can be useful as it can reduce cost and decrease time of production. The objective of this review is to discuss the genes that affect muscle growth of fish and how plant based ingredients affect these genes.