Scientists from the Research Center for Food and Development (CIAD), Mexico, are developing dietary formulas from agri-food waste to improve immune system of aquatic species.  

The study evaluated the nutritional quality and antioxidant activity of compounds obtained from by-products from the agri-food industry, such as coffee bagasse, fruit peel, vegetables and post-harvest cereals, among others. These bioactive phenolic-type compounds were added to fish and shrimp feed to evaluate the effect on the inmune system, intestinal microbiota and antibacterial effect.

The bioactive substances that stimulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes in tilapia and zebrafish were obtained from mango husk and dry corn leaf. Researchers also found that they can reduce the fat content in shrimp.

Researchers will continue to evaluate the effect of phenolic compounds and other bioactive substances on the immune system, how they modulate the activity of the intestinal microbiota and if they have any effect against pathogenic bacteria of interest in aquaculture.