Sustainable Aquaculture in Ganjam District, Odisha: A Study on Locally Sourced Plant-Based Fish Feed

Abstract

Nutrition is the primary crucial factor determining the potential of cultured fish to exhibit its genetic capability for growth and reproduction. Using inexpensive live feed supplements as feed additives is broadly accepted and embraced due to its eco-friendly nature. It has proved that medicinal plants have positive potential as feed additives. The herbs increased the growth and usage of fish feed and decreased diseases by regulating pathogens. A combination of medicinal plants is applied and found to be effective, has the potential to combat disease problems, and could supplement the insufficiency of nutrients and phytochemicals. There is an urgent need to research more on novel feed additives like the inclusion of herbs in fish feeds, which reduce feed costs and maximum digestibility and prevent residual effects of hormones and antibiotics on fish muscles, which in turn affect the human that consumes them. Various processing methods were employed, and suggestions were made on how aquaculture growth can reach its maximum potential in fish production by utilising locally available fish feed ingredients.