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Publication Type
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Other publication
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Authors
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Francis, G., Makkar, H. P. S., Becker, K.
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Year of publication
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2002
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Published in
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Agrippa - FAO online journal (www.fao.org/agrippa)
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Conference location
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nnb
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Conference date
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nnb
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Keywords
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antinutrients, aquaculture, plant-derived nutritional sources
Abstract
The production of aquaculture feeds is expected to rise from the current level of about 13 million metric tonnes (mmt) to about 30 mmt in 2010. It is estimated that a minimum of 3 mmt of fishmeal equivalent, alternative protein sources will be required in the aquaculture industry yearly by the year 2010. The selection of plant-derived, protein sources for use as animal feeds should take human food security interests into account. It would be highly desirable if products from plants that can grow on degraded soil and require lower external energy subsidies could be used. Four examples of such plants, Jatropha curcas, Moringa oleifera, Sesbania spp. and Mucuna pruriens, are discussed here. These plant species are capable of growing on degraded lands, under stressful environmental conditions, and still sustain a reasonable production of nutrient -rich products with potential as fish feed ingredients. Alongside their potential in the production of feed ingredients, these species can help reclamation of degraded areas. Furthermore, their development may be aided by and profit from the national, international and private funding that is being channelled into wasteland reclamation. In addition to the nutritional quality of these plant products, the presence and detoxification procedures for the various anti-nutrients are also discussed.
