Menaga Meenakshisundaram

Dr. Menaga Meenakshisundaram

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 September 2019 in Fish & Shellfish Immunology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MMMenaga Meenakshisundaram
Menaga Meenakshisundaram
FSFelix Sugantham
Felix Sugantham
MCM. Charulatha
M. Charulatha
AGA. Gopalakannan
A. Gopalakannan
APA. Panigrahi
A. Panigrahi

4 April 2021 in Aquaculture Research
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
MMMenaga Meenakshisundaram
Menaga Meenakshisundaram
FSFelix Sugantham
Felix Sugantham
CMCharulatha Muthukumar
Charulatha Muthukumar
MCMohana Sundari Chandrasekar
Mohana Sundari Chandrasekar

16 January 2025 in Aquaculture Nutrition
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
JMJonathan Mbonge Munguti
Jonathan Mbonge Munguti
MMMAVINDU MUTHOKA
MAVINDU MUTHOKA
JMJimmy Brian Mboya
Jimmy Brian Mboya
DKDomitila Kyule
Domitila Kyule
MMMenaga Meenakshisundaram
Menaga Meenakshisundaram
CTChrysantus Tanga
Chrysantus Tanga
Aquaculture plays a critical role in global food security, with Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) recognized for its adaptability and robust growth. However, traditional feeds, heavily reliant on fishmeal (FM) and soybean meal, face economic and environmental challenges. In response, black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) has emerged as a promising, nutrient‐dense alternative. This review synthesizes existing literature on BSFLM’s nutritional profile and its suitability for Nile tilapia diets, while acknowledging that the data come from diverse independent studies conducted under varying environmental conditions and husbandry practices. BSFLM consistently provides high‐quality protein (29.9%–48.2%), aligning with tilapia’s requirements, and is rich in essential minerals and fatty acids. While its lipid content (25.69%–28.43%) may require processing adjustments, the overall profile supports tilapia health and growth. Trends from case studies suggest that certain systems, such as hapas placed in ponds, have reported favorable growth and feed conversion efficiencies at 50% FM replacement levels. However, these findings cannot be directly compared across all studies due to differences in methodologies, culture conditions, and inclusion rates. Instead, they collectively indicate that BSFLM can effectively replace traditional protein sources and enhance sustainability. As research and production scale up, careful consideration of context, system design, and feed formulations will be essential. Collaborative efforts among researchers, industry, and policymakers will further refine the use of BSFLM, ultimately advancing the environmental and economic sustainability of Nile tilapia aquaculture.

1 January 2024 in Aquaculture Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
KOKevin Obiero
Kevin Obiero
EOErick Ogello
Erick Ogello
JMJonathan Mbonge Munguti
Jonathan Mbonge Munguti
JMJimmy Brian Mboya
Jimmy Brian Mboya
DKDomitila Kyule
Domitila Kyule
RYRodrigue Yossa
Rodrigue Yossa
Climate‐smart agriculture (CSA) has been promoted in Kenya as a panacea for climate change impacts on agricultural productivity. Consequently, various climate‐smart aquaculture technologies, innovations, and management practices (CSA‐TIMPs) have been developed, validated, and adopted through the Kenya Climate‐Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP). Nevertheless, there has been no evaluation of the climate‐smartness of the CSA‐TIMPs for priority setting. In this study, we evaluated and ranked the CSA‐TIMPs using a modified Climate‐smart Agriculture Prioritization Framework (CSA‐PF). The prioritization process included multistakeholder validation workshops involving researchers, fisheries officers, farmers, traders, and policy makers. The climate‐smartness scores of the CSA‐TIMPs were given based on the CSA pillars (i.e., adaptation, mitigation, and productivity) under various climate‐smartness indicators, with a score ranging from −10 (for a negative impact) to +10 (for a positive impact). This resulted in the identification and documentation of forty (40) CSA‐TIMPs. Climate‐smartness scores varied from 3.8 to 6.1, with higher values indicating strong synergies between the CSA pillars, with productivity having the highest average score of 6.4. The top 5 list of CSA‐TIMPs with the best synergies among the CSA pillars was then developed for prioritization. Adoption of these CSA‐TIMPs would be instrumental in achieving the CSA triple wins, especially in improving aquaculture productivity. Therefore, sustained efforts in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and policy support are essential to ensure the successful adoption of CSA‐TIMPs in Kenya. A dynamic approach that includes continuous validation, comprehensive monitoring and evaluation, and an enabling environment for adoption will be key to achieving sustainable and scalable impacts.

19 August 2025 in Reviews in Aquaculture
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
EMEsther Magondu
Esther Magondu
LNLucy Njogu
Lucy Njogu
KOKevin Ouko
Kevin Ouko
JMJimmy Brian Mboya
Jimmy Brian Mboya
MMMAVINDU MUTHOKA
MAVINDU MUTHOKA
KOKevin Obiero
Kevin Obiero
Global demand for seafood continues to rise, positioning aquaculture as a critical pathway for improving food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. In Kenya, the aquaculture sector remains constrained by structural challenges, with fish feed accounting for 60%–70% of production costs and limiting sectoral growth, particularly for smallholder farmers. This review critically analyzes Kenya's fish feed sector through an integrated PESTEL‐SWOT framework, drawing on a scoping review of academic literature, policy reports, and sector development studies. The paper highlights key macro‐level drivers, including fragmented policy implementation, dependency on imported ingredients, and climate‐related risks, and connects these with internal industry dynamics such as innovation gaps and regional disparities in aquafeed accessibility. It presents a conceptual model illustrating how external and internal factors interact to shape aquafeed sector outcomes, positioning Kenya's experience within a broader Sub‐Saharan Africa aquaculture context. The review identifies missed opportunities in scaling insect‐ and microalgae‐based feed innovations, constrained by regulatory, technical, and market barriers. The discussion offers actionable recommendations for researchers, policymakers, donors, investors, and industry stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of integrated policy reforms, investment in local aquafeed technology development, and regional collaboration to strengthen feed supply resilience and address production bottlenecks.

25 August 2025 in Aquaculture Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MMMenaga Meenakshisundaram
Menaga Meenakshisundaram
JMJimmy Brian Mboya
Jimmy Brian Mboya
FSFelix Sugantham
Felix Sugantham
APAkshaya Panigrahi
Akshaya Panigrahi
JGJuliana Livingstone Gamba
Juliana Livingstone Gamba
CTChrysantus Tanga
Chrysantus Tanga
This study investigated the effects of integrating biofloc with microalgae on growth performance and immune gene expression in red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). The experiment consisted of four treatments: C (Biofloc), T1 (Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 1:1), T2 (Biofloc + Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 1:1), T3 (Biofloc + Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 2:1) in 500 L plastic tanks for 60 days. T2 and T3 exhibited the lowest ammonia and nitrite levels, respectively. T3 exhibited the highest chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b levels, while T2 showed the highest carotenoid content. T2 showed the highest weight gain (142 ± 0.7 g) and SGR (1.61 ± 0.02) and the lowest FCR (1.79 ± 0.009). T2 exhibited the highest gene expression levels in the intestine, with 7.8-fold upregulation of the cathepsin L (ctsl) gene, 3-fold upregulation of toll-like receptor 7 (tlr7), 6.7-fold upregulation of interleukin-1 b (il-1b), 4.7-fold upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (tnf-a), and 2.8-fold upregulation of metallothionein (mt). In the head kidney, the mt upregulation was highest in T3 (7.2-fold), while tnf-a and tlr7 upregulations were highest in T2 (5.9-fold and 5-fold, respectively). In the liver, the gene expressions were highest in T3, with 6.4-fold upregulation of mt, 5-fold upregulation of ctsl, 2.7-fold upregulation of tlr7, 3-fold upregulation of il-1b, and 5.4-fold upregulation of tnf-a. These results suggest a synergistic effect of algae and bacteria on immune and antioxidative capacity in red tilapia.