Biopolymers for Echiniculture Feeding
International Journal of Aquaculture and Fishery Sciences
Research Article
Abstract
Background: Biopolymers have many fields of application. In Echiniculture they are usually employed to bind trial diets, although a systematic study on the performances of biopolymers as feed binders is lacking. Methods: Several biopolymers (sodium alginate, agar, gellan, apple pectin and citrus pectin with different esterification degree) were employed as binders in the manufacture of biocomposites to be used as Paracentrotus lividus feed. Biocomposites were first produced with varying percentages of feed ingredients (5-25%) and polymers (2-3%), either alone or in blends of two types. Biocomposites were tested for stability, swelling and nutrient release in water. In order to evaluate their palatability, biocomposites were administered to sea urchins and eating activity checked up to 48 h. GI and gonad composition were evaluated in a 14-week rearing trial. Result:Agar and apple pectin gave the best results in terms of stability, swelling and nutrient release in water and were well accepted by sea urchins. When tested in the rearing trial both biocomposites produced a slow progression in the reproductive cycle, more marked in the agar-based ones.
Research Article
Abstract
Background: Biopolymers have many fields of application. In Echiniculture they are usually employed to bind trial diets, although a systematic study on the performances of biopolymers as feed binders is lacking. Methods: Several biopolymers (sodium alginate, agar, gellan, apple pectin and citrus pectin with different esterification degree) were employed as binders in the manufacture of biocomposites to be used as Paracentrotus lividus feed. Biocomposites were first produced with varying percentages of feed ingredients (5-25%) and polymers (2-3%), either alone or in blends of two types. Biocomposites were tested for stability, swelling and nutrient release in water. In order to evaluate their palatability, biocomposites were administered to sea urchins and eating activity checked up to 48 h. GI and gonad composition were evaluated in a 14-week rearing trial. Result:Agar and apple pectin gave the best results in terms of stability, swelling and nutrient release in water and were well accepted by sea urchins. When tested in the rearing trial both biocomposites produced a slow progression in the reproductive cycle, more marked in the agar-based ones.
Comments
Post a Comment