Review article
EXOENZYMES IN AQUAFEEDS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO MICROBAL PHYTASE: A REVIEW
2002, 60 (1) p. 15-28
Ewen McLean, Steven R. Craig, S. J. Goddard, H. S. Al-Oufi, K Wille
Abstract
The global aquaculture industry has come under increasing pressure to optimize production efficiency while reducing environmental loadings. These new demands, which have been accompanied in certain countries by legislation, have stimulated the development of elite low output dietary formulations. Several feed manufacturers have developed diets with modified energy: protein ratios, which reduce environmental phosphorus loadings with minimum impact upon fish growth. However, problems relating to end product quality have materialized following application of these high lipid diets and it is clear that alternative strategies must be developed. In particular, there remains an urgent need to replace the expensive fishmeal component of aquafeeds. One approach might be to supplement diets with exogenous enzymes (exoenzymes) that enhance the value and utility of alternative, low grade proteins while reducing ecological impacts. This paper briefly reviews the literature relating to experimental exoenzyme aquafeeds, with specific reference to phytase.