Research: Yeast protein concentrate in carp diets
Biofuel production results in many more products than just fuel. The co-products can often be used in animal nutrition. In the UK at the University of Plymouth in cooperation with AB Vista biofuel derived yeast protein concentrate (YPC) as a novel feed ingredient in carp diets was evaluated.
A novel yeast co-product obtained from a bio-ethanol process in which wheat was the predominant feedstock was tested in a series of iso-nitrogenous (38% crude protein) and iso-lipidic (8%) diets for juvenile mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio).
The fishmeal protein component of a basal diet (control treatment) was effectively replaced by a yeast protein concentrate (YPC) at 7.5, 15, 20, and 50% of total dietary protein.
Results
After an 8 week feeding trial all fish fed YPC showed better growth performance than the control fed fish, with diets containing 15% and 20% YPC being optimal.
Proximate composition analysis revealed that body protein, lipid and NFE levels were unaffected by dietary treatment, however, ash levels were elevated in fish fed ≥ 15% YPC.
Subsequently, body gross energy was significantly reduced at 50% YPC inclusion.
Both alanine aminotranferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotranferase (ASAT) were measured as indicators of hepatic function in carp.
Liver ASAT activity was significantly lower in fish fed 20% and 50% YPC, but no effects were seen in ALAT activities.
Additionally, preliminary histological assessment of liver and intestinal tissues gave no indication of impairment to health, but high YPC inclusion (≥ 15%) elevated the number of goblet cells present in the posterior intestine.
Molecular microbiological analysis revealed no distinctive changes in intestinal microbial communities.
Conclusion
This study reveals the potential benefits of utilising a biofuel derived YPC (Yeast Protein Concentrate) on the growth and feed utilisation performance of carp, with no apparent detrimental impacts on general health and physiological status as determined by gut and liver function and related metabolism.
Highlights
YPCe can replace up to 50% of fishmeal protein and support good growth
Optimal YPC appeared to be at 15-20% replacement of fishmeal
YPC had no negative impacts on the gut parameters measured
YPC had no negative impacts on the hepatic parameters measured
Keywords: Juvenile carp; bio-ethanol yeast co-product; growth; intestinal and hepatic histology; gut microbiota
