Innovations in Aquatic Animal Nutrition and Sustainable Feed Development

Aquaculture contributes significantly to global food security, yet its sustainability is challenged by the dependence on limited marine resources such as fishmeal and fish oil, alongside environmental stressors. Nutritional physiology research is pivotal for the optimization of feed efficiency, health, and the quality of products in farmed aquatic species. As demand for alternative protein sources such as insect meal, microbial proteins, and plant-derived ingredients rises, it becomes crucial to understand their metabolic effects on nutrient utilization, gut-liver interaction, and resilience to environmental stresses. Additionally, climate change, seen through temperature variations, further influences nutrient needs, necessitating adaptive strategies in feeding to sustain growth and maintain muscle quality.

This Research Topic focuses on the latest breakthroughs in nutritional physiology, sustainable feed formulation, and muscle metabolism of aquatic animals. We encourage research exploring metabolic adaptations to novel feed ingredients like single-cell proteins, algae, and nutrients derived from byproducts, examining impacts on energy balance. Investigations into physiological responses to functional additives, including probiotics, bile acids, and nano-minerals, and their roles in digestion, immune function, and stress resistance are welcome. The study of molecular mechanisms behind muscle growth and fillet quality, utilizing tools such as proteomics and lipidomics to explore responses under varying dietary conditions, is also encouraged. Lastly, we seek contributions on climate-resilient nutrition, focusing on temperature-diet interactions and oxidative stress management in shifting environments.

To deepen insights into innovations in aquatic animal nutrition and sustainable feed development, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Alternative feed ingredients and metabolic efficiency

- Gut health, microbiota, and nutrient absorption

- Muscle quality and nutritional programming

- Climate-adaptive feeding strategies

- Omics technologies in aquaculture nutrition

This collection aims to integrate fundamental physiological research with applied nutrition studies to bridge gaps in knowledge and promote environmentally friendly aquaculture. We invite submissions of original research, comprehensive reviews, and methodological papers that contribute to a sustainable future in aquatic feed systems. High-quality scholarly work employing omics approaches and delving into mechanistic insights is particularly encouraged. This Research Topic serves as an invaluable resource for researchers and industry professionals dedicated to advancing sustainable aquaculture initiatives.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Aquaculture sustainability, Nutritional physiology, Alternative protein sources, Metabolic adaptation, Functional additives, Climate-resilient nutrition, Omics technologies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.