Wheat grass juice (WGJ) is an extract of young wheat plantlets (Triticum aetivum L.) used worldwide for its health related properties. In this study, the following feeds containing WGJ were tested on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Control (C), WGJ1% (V1), WGJ2% (V2) and WGJ4% (V3) w/w. Fish with an average initial weight of 102 g/individual were grown in a recirculating aquaculture system. The results showed that WGJ had stimulatory effects on growth performance. Accordingly, final body weight increased by 11% at V1, 39% at V2 and 23% at V3, while other indices (feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, relative growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and condition factor) were unaffected. Body composition analyses revealed a significant decrease in fat content at V2 and a significant increase in collagen and ash at the same variant, while the protein content was unmodified. Regarding the blood profile, significant increases in the content of albumin, globulin, total protein, and calcium were recorded in the variants with WGJ. The positive results of WGJ on carp can be attributed to its biochemical composition, which is rich in chlorophyll (4.71 mg mL⁻¹), total phenols (164 µg mL⁻¹ gallic acid equivalents), and high antioxidant activity (67% inhibition of DPPH 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The results suggest WGJ can be used as a promising feed additive for common carp.

Periodic removal of sediment from aquaculture ponds is practiced to maintain their productivity and animal welfare. The recovery of sediment as a plant fertilizer could alleviate the costs of sediment removal. The objective of this study was to test the effects of a dried sediment, extracted from an aquaculture pond used for common carp cultivation, on the growth and physiology of potted wheat grass and the quality of the juice obtained from wheat grass. The results showed that sediment application did not produce significant morphological changes, although the values for plant height (16.94–19.22 cm), leaf area (19.67–139.21 mm²), and biomass (3.39–4.26 g/plant) were higher in sediment-grown plants. However, at a physiological level, the effect was negative, decreasing photosynthesis (0.82–1.66 μmol CO₂ m²s⁻¹), fluorescence ΦPSII (0.737–0.782), and chlorophyll content (1.40–1.83 CCI). The juice yield was reduced in the sediment treatments (46–58 g/100 g), while the quality was improved by increasing the content of phenols (2.55–3.39 µg/mL gallic acid equivalent), flavonoids (1.41–1.85 µg/mL quercetin equivalent), and antioxidant activity (47.99–62.7% inhibition of; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The positive results obtained in this study can be attributed to the moderate nutrient content of the sediment and a negligible concentration of heavy metals.

With the increasing demand for European catfish, traditional extensive growth methods in polyculture are no longer sufficient to meet market needs. Therefore, this study aimed to identify indicators for improving recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology by determining and comparing growth performance, flesh quality, blood profile, oxidative status, and intestinal microbiota parameters between fish cultivated in a RAS and an earthen pond. Results revealed that RAS-grown fish had a higher fat content compared to pond-grown fish, while no significant differences were found for growth parameters. Sensory analysis showed no significant difference in taste between the two groups. Blood composition analysis showed small differences. Oxidative status analyses showed higher catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in RAS-grown fish and slightly higher superoxide dismutase activity in pond-grown fish. Microbial analysis showed differences in the intestinal microflora, with a higher total number of aerobic germs and anaerobic germs and a lower total number of sulfite-reducing clostridia in RAS-grown fish. This study provides valuable insights into the comparative performance of a RAS and a pond rearing system in European catfish production, potentially informing future growth technologies.

As global aquaculture is on the rise, the demand for sustainable and high-quality feed ingredients is intensifying. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional fishmeal due to its favorable nutritional profile, waste recycling potential, and low environmental impact. This review explores the novel role of BSF meal in aquafeeds, highlighting its effects on fish growth performance, feed efficiency, and fillet quality. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties of lauric acid and chitin are discussed. However, despite its promise, several challenges still hinder the large-scale adoption of BSFL meal in aquaculture. These include regulatory restrictions on substrates, concerns over fish meat quality and safety, consumer acceptance, and the economic and logistical hurdles of industrial-scale BSFL farming. This paper synthesizes current scientific findings and regulatory frameworks, identifies key gaps in knowledge, and discusses the potential of BSFL meal as a sustainable alternative in aquafeeds while addressing its challenges.

Phytogenics are plant extract additives used for their bioactive properties. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of plant extracts, wheat grass juice (WGJ) and barley grass juices (BGJ) addition to fish diet on growth and meat quality of common carp. Fish (51 ± 33 g initial weight) were fed for four weeks with three plant-based diets: (1) control feed (Con), (2) control feed supplemented with 2% WGJ (Con+WGJ), and (3) control feed supplemented with 2% BGJ (Con+BGJ). The results showed that the inclusion of the two juices in the plant-based feed stimulated the growth and improved meat quality by lowering the fat and ash content. Feed conversion ratio and condition factor were not affected. There were no significant differences in Fe and Zn contents of meat; however, Cu decreased, while Mn was lower in the Con+WGJ group and higher in the Con+BGJ group compared to Con. A high content of unsaturated fatty acids (FA, oleic acid and linoleic acid) and desirable ratios of saturated/unsaturated FA (0.27–0.29) and Ω6/Ω3 (2.5–2.78) were found in all groups. The juices were characterized in terms of lipid profile and polar compounds by GC-MS technique. The observed positive effects can be attributed to the rich composition of juices that included unsaturated FA, amino acids, sugars and organic compounds.

This study investigated the effects of incorporating grape pomace (GP) into fish diets on the growth performance, physiological parameters, and biochemical composition of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). A total of 180 carp, with an average initial weight of 65 g, were reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). They were divided into a control group (C), fed with a diet containing 0% GP, and two experimental groups (V1 and V2), fed with diets containing 5% and 10% GP, respectively. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Results revealed that most growth parameters were not significantly affected by GP inclusion, except for a notable difference in the hepatosomatic index (HSI), indicating an impact on liver size relative to body weight. The biochemical analysis of carp meat showed significant differences in moisture, protein, fat, collagen, and salt content between the control and experimental groups. Furthermore, the oxidative status assessment indicated that GP supplementation modulates oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation pathways in carp, enhancing their antioxidant defenses and overall health. Microbiological examination of the carp intestinal content showed that GP inclusion in fish diets influenced microbial parameters, particularly affecting the abundance of aerobic germs and Enterobacteriaceae.