World Aquaculture - December 2014

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• WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2014 63
feasible only in regions where climatic conditions are suitable.
Fungi. Aspergillus sp., Penecillium sp., Rhizopus sp., Scytalidium
sp., Trichoderma sp., and yeast (Candida sp., Saccharomyces
cerevicae) may give promising result in aquaculture. Fungal oil extract
is a superior alternative source of essential fatty acid such as DHA,
EPA and ARA, which are required in larval feeds and broodstock
diets (Harel et al. 2002). Fungal proteins contain high methionine and
lysine content. Fungal protein can be used to enrich algal and bacterial
proteins, which usually have lowmethionine content. It is also a rich
source of B-complex vitamins.
Bacteria. Bacterial SCP is high in protein (around 80 percent
of total dry weight) and certain essential amino acids. Bacillus
mergaterium, B. sustilis, Streptococcus faecium, Streptomyces sp.,
Thermomonospora sp. and Lactobacillus sp. have positive effects in
aquaculture (Selvakumar et al. 2013).
Nutritional Value of SCP
Single-cell protein from bacteria and fungi are sources of
almost all essential amino acids, which may not be available in
plant derivatives. Amino-nitrogen represents 70-80 percent of the
total nitrogen of microbial cells. Algae contains a rich amount of fat
and various vitamins like A, B, C, D and E. Bacillus species have
carotenoid pigments with antioxidant properties. Algae contain
β-carotene, tocopherols, and B vitamins. Yeasts also contain B
vitamins, but filamentous fungi have poor vitamin content. The
nutritional values of microorganisms are given in Table 1.
Importance of SCP in Aquaculture
In addition to serving as an alternative protein source for
aquafeeds, SCP also acts as an immunostimulant and probiotic,
substantially improving growth, health, disease resistance and
immune system of cultured organisms. The use of probiotics is one
of the best approaches to regulate disease occurrence in intensive
aquaculture (Ige 2013). Lactobacillus (gram positive bacteria) as
a probiotic has become an alternative to antibiotics among disease
control strategies in aquaculture (Kolndadacha et al. 2011).
Single-cell protein from bacteria and yeast contain relatively high
nucleic acid content in the form of RNA. The large amounts of RNA
in microorganisms promote rapid protein synthesis (Adedayo et al.
2011). Rapid protein synthesis and short multiplication times are key
factors related to high protein content in single-cell microbes. High
nucleotide content in aquafeeds improves hepatic function and lipid
metabolism in fish.
Single-cell protein production recycles wastes from agriculture
and industries because these substances can be utilized by microbes
as nutrient sources. Feed-derived wastes and ammonia released from
cultured organisms can also be recycled through SCP.
Size and color of fish are regulating factors in the success of
ornamental fish aquaculture. Both can be manipulated through the
application of SCP derived from algae and bacteria that contain large
amounts of carotenoid pigments. Microbial carotenoids can be used as
a feed additive for the growth and coloration of ornamental fishes.
Conclusion
Single-cell protein is an important alternative protein source,
reducing input costs via exploitation of naturally occurring
microorganisms in aquaculture system or on other waste substrates
acting as nutrient sources for the growing microorganisms. Single-cell
protein has a high nutritional value, supporting the growth and survival
of cultured organisms by enhancing the immune response and disease
resistance capacity. Single-cell protein can be a source of β-carotene,
enhancing the color of ornamental fish. The use of SCP supports one of
the best and most-convenient techniques to produce low-risk and high-
health benefit organic food. Thus, the application of SCP in aquaculture
enhances production in an economically and ecologically sustainable
manner.
Notes
Vivekanand Bharti and P. K. Pandey, Aquatic Environment and Health
Management Division, Central Institute of Fisheries, Education,
Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400061
Corresponding author’s E-mail- Mobile:
+91-8879438040
Satish Kumar Koushlesh, Fisheries Resources, Harvest and Post
Harvest Management Division, Central Institute of Fisheries
Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400061
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