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Chicken gut health is crucial in antibiotics-free period. Some alternatives such as probiotics, postbiotics, prebiotics, bile acids, antimicrobial peptides, essential oils, and vaccinations have been gradually accepted in poultry production. 

Recently, a new alternative feed enzyme, glucose oxidase (GOD), has drawn attention to poultry and swine industry.

The GOD is exogenously produced by specific fungi fermentation to oxidize β-D-Glucose into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, consuming large amounts of oxygen at the same time in the chicken gut. Therefore, it can protect against oxidative stress and directly kill some pathogenic bacteria or Eimeria parasites.

Recently a thermal stable GOD is commercially available, and Table 1 clearly shows that at 85 °C, the enzyme recovery rate of this GOD maintains 92%.

Table 1. Thermostability of different GOD (3 minutes bath incubation)

 

In general, adding 2000 U/kg GOD to layer chicken feed increased egg production from 88% to 90% within 4 weeks of production. Egg weight increased from 60.8 to 61.4 gram/egg.

Adding 3000 u/Kg GOD to broiler chicken diets increased body weight gain by 3.44% and FCR was improved by 6 points.

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

In the world of agriculture, the battle for survival against nature’s forces is relentless. Factors such as light deficiency, water scarcity, pests, diseases, salinity, wind, and phytotoxicity continually challenge the resilience of plants. To aid in this ongoing struggle, Redox, in collaboration with CJ Bio, introduces AMIBOOST® —a high-quality biostimulant enriched with specialized amino acids. This remarkable product is meticulously designed to bolster crop yield and quality, addressing the needs of various plant types and growth stages. These amino acids act as catalysts for the plant’s secondary metabolism, a vital part of its immune system, enabling plants to thrive even in the face of adversity.

But surviving under stress is not the epitome of plant health. Instead, the plant has to divert its resources from primary metabolism, which deals with growth and development, to cope with these challenges. This is where amino acids come into play as an essential tool to bolster the plant’s defences and recovery mechanisms. They act as biostimulants that can make all the difference in a stressful situation.

Recognising that it wouldn’t be a single front of management that would solve this battle. To effectively combat stress, amino acids should be part of a broader strategy. This strategy should include factors like soil fertility management, pest and disease control, and proper irrigation, all of which contribute to a plant’s overall health and reduce stress. And an inclusion of Amino acids serves as a boost in these challenging situations.

However, not all amino acids are created equal in this plant kingdom, and the “L-amino acids” are the superheroes. Each amino acid has a unique role in this intricate world of plant survival, combating biotic and abiotic stressors.

Introducing the future of agricultural excellence: The latest innovation, Amiboost ROOT, Amiboost DEVELOPMENT, and Amiboost HARVEST. AMIBOOST’s superior biostimulants redefine crop yields, whether you’re cultivating grains, fruits, or vegetables. Crafted to harmonize with your local environment and quality standards, this revolutionary product ensures convenience for sellers and satisfaction for their customers. Elevate your crop with Amiboost – the key to unlock exceptional performance.

Understanding Plant Stress

The term “plant stress” encompasses various factors that disrupt a plant’s normal functions. These can range from insufficient light, water scarcity, salinity, strong winds, phytotoxicity, and pest and disease attacks, hindering a plant’s total development.

Plants employ two metabolic strategies: primary and secondary metabolism. Primary metabolism is associated with growth, including plant development, root and leaf expansion, and photosynthesis activity. In contrast, secondary metabolism acts as a plant’s immune system, a survival mechanism for adverse conditions.

Enduring stress at the metabolic level isn’t healthy for plants. To thrive, they need to adjust their primary metabolism and activate secondary metabolism. This is where amino acids come into play as essential tools.

The Role of Amino Acids

Recognising that plant stress doesn’t arise from a single source is crucial. To effectively combat stress, amino acids should be part of a broader strategy. This strategy should include factors like soil fertility management, pest and disease control, and proper irrigation, all of which contribute to a plant’s overall health and reduce stress. Amino acids serve as a valuable bio-stimulant in these challenging situations.

Plants rely on proteins as they are the basic constituents of all living cells. First, it’s important to highlight that protein is formed by combining different amino acids; about 20 crucial amino acids can help plants grow accurately.

How does it happen? So, plants synthesise amino acids from the carbon and oxygen obtained from air and hydrogen from water in the soil, forming carbon hydrate through photosynthesis and combining it with the nitrogen the plants obtain from the soil. As a result, the synthesis of amino acids. L-Amino Acids are part of these proteins and have metabolic activity, including hormone and enzymatic functions, structure building, immune response, nutrient transport, etc.

However, an adverse situation can occur, and the plant cannot generate these important amino acids efficiently. Hence, feeding your plants L-amino acids makes them perform these functions efficiently and better, consequently minimising negative stress.

In this way, if the 20 amino acids can be directly supplied, it will help to overcome the limitations caused by plant stress.

The type of amino acid must be considered; products should contain L-amino acids, Laevorotatory amino acids, or L-amino acids, as those are the ones that plants can assimilate.

The Significance of Amino Acids in Plant Metabolism

Plants naturally synthesise about 20 amino acids that are indispensable for their metabolism. Think of these amino acids as the oil in a car engine. Just as a car needs the right type and quantity of oil to function correctly, plants require specific amino acids for their well-being. Without these amino acids, plants may require intervention to thrive.

Each phase of a plant’s development demands specific types and quantities of amino acids. Using amino acids at the right time physiologically activates a plant’s metabolism, promoting its growth.

By understanding the significance of different amino acids and how they function, we can better support plant growth, even in challenging conditions.

Understanding Biotic Stress

Biotic stress in plants results from pest and disease infestations within crops. What renders a plant susceptible to these attackers is its production of sugars and compounds that serve as a food source for them.

Amino acids like Tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan play a vital role in this scenario. They are directly linked to producing phenolic compounds in a plant’s secondary metabolism. These phenolic compounds act as natural defence mechanisms, functioning like antibodies that thwart disease development and make the plant’s sap less appealing to pests.

Plants Under Abiotic Stress

In the face of abiotic stress, compounds like Folcysteine come to the plant’s rescue. Folcysteine is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine, and its primary function is to counteract free radicals, reducing oxidation. This is especially crucial because Folcysteine serves as a sulphur source and contributes to the synthesis of glutathione, a vital molecule in a plant’s defence system.

Proline plays a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of stress, particularly when it comes to hydric (water) and saline stress. It’s an amino acid renowned for its association with drought resistance, functioning as an osmo-protective agent, similar to arginine. Proline stabilises the plasma membrane, preventing structural damage, such as weakening the cell wall, especially during conditions like excessive temperature increases or water scarcity.

Abiotic stress in plants refers to the negative impact of non-living factors or environmental conditions on plant growth, development, and overall health. Unlike biotic stress, which is caused by living organisms such as pests and pathogens, abiotic stress factors are non-living and typically relate to various environmental factors.

Glycine is a crucial player in chlorophyll composition, facilitating the process of photosynthesis. Additionally, it assumes a critical role in maintaining the plant’s internal osmotic balance. Glycine is often accumulated in plants facing various stressors like excess water, salinity, cold, heat, and freezing conditions, as it actively contributes to upholding the integrity of cell membranes, thereby sustaining photosynthetic efficiency.

Addressing Phytotoxicity in Plants

These damages impair the normal development of plants, as they are mostly related to the interruption of production or distribution of photoassimilates. Injuries prevent the leaf from carrying out photosynthesis and can be a factor in loss of productivity. Amino acids are essential allies to minimise these harmful effects and encourage plants to recover their photosynthetic capacity.

Being small molecules quickly absorbed, they begin to act on metabolism in a few hours, transporting toxic elements and promoting the restoration of regular cellular activity in plants.

Heavy metals from the soil or in formulations used in crop management, nutritional elements in excess or with a high salt content, are examples of agents that cause phytotoxicity.

Histidine is an effective amino acid in complexing heavy metals such as cobalt, nickel, zinc, and copper.

Again, glycine is an essential amino acid in the composition of chlorophyll, and the isoleucine and glutamic acid in the growth of meristems, which are new tissues.

Roles of some amino acids in Adverse Situation.

  1. Aspartic Acid: It is a nitrogen source essential for producing other amino acids.
  2. Glutamic Acid: This amino acid plays a crucial role in the growth of meristems, the plant’s new tissues. It also serves as a precursor for chlorophyll and other amino acids since it carries nitrogen sources.
  3. Alanine: Alanine actively participates in the formation and germination of pollen grains.
  4. Arginine: Arginine offers resistance to drought, acting as an osmoprotectant. It is also involved in photosynthesis, growth, and the transport of nutrients to reproductive complexes.
  5. Cysteine: Cysteine is a pivotal amino acid. In addition to being a source of sulphur, it plays a vital role in synthesising glutathione, a crucial molecule in a plant’s defence system. It also aids in stress tolerance.
  6. Phenylalanine: This amino acid is closely linked to the production of phenolic compounds in the secondary metabolism of plants. These compounds act as plant defence agents, functioning like antibodies to inhibit disease development and making the plant’s sap less attractive to pests. Phenylalanine is involved in synthesising lignin, tannins, flavonoids, and the formation of salicylic acid.
  7. Glycine (1st Mention): Glycine participates in the formation of glutathione, phytochelatins, and betaine glycine. Betaine glycine is a compound that accumulates in plants under water-stress conditions, aiding in maintaining photosynthetic efficiency.
  8. Glycine (2nd Mention): Glycine is also essential in the composition of chlorophyll. It plays a critical role in photosynthesis and in regulating the intracellular osmotic balance of the plant. This amino acid is mainly accumulated in plants under various stressful conditions, such as water scarcity, salinity, cold, heat, and freezing stress, as it helps preserve the integrity of cell membranes and maintain photosynthetic efficiency.
  9. Glutamate: Glutamate participates in the formation of amino acids like arginine, glutamine, and proline. It also acts as a precursor for the chlorophyll molecule.
  10. Histidine: Histidine is recognised as the most effective amino acid for complexing heavy metals such as cobalt, nickel, zinc, and copper.
  11. Isoleucine: Isoleucine plays a role in the growth of meristems, which are new plant tissues. It also contributes to forming other amino acids and pollen grain germination.
  12. Leucine: Leucine is another amino acid that forms other amino acids and plays a role in pollen grain germination.
  13. Lysine: Lysine is responsible for regulating pollen grain germination and stomatal regulation. It is also a vital nitrogen reserve in plants and activates chlorophyll.
  14. Methionine: Methionine is a precursor for ethylene, a hormone that influences fruit maturation. It is also responsible for sulphur incorporation in plants.
  15. Proline: Proline is an amino acid associated with drought resistance, similar to arginine. It functions as an osmoprotectant and is used by the plant as a defence mechanism against water deficits and heat stress.
  16. Serine: Serine constitutes enzymes that activate proteins facilitating plant growth and the transport of nutrients in the plant’s sap.
  17. Tyrosine: Tyrosine is linked to the production of phenolic compounds in the secondary metabolism of plants. These compounds function as plant defence agents, inhibiting disease development and making sap less attractive to pests.
  18. Threonine: Threonine participates in forming other amino acids and is involved in pollen grain germination.
  19. Tryptophan: Tryptophan is associated with the production of phenolic compounds in the secondary metabolism of plants. Like tyrosine, it is a defence agent against diseases and pests, making the plant’s sap less appealing. Tryptophan also serves as a precursor for auxin, a root growth hormone, and influences the development of aerial plant parts.
  20. Valine: Valine plays a role in regulating the growth and maturation of fruits.

These amino acids play a fundamental role in maintaining the health and vitality of the crop.

How can we help?

At Redox, we understand the critical role that amino acids play in plant metabolism and stress management. We are committed to providing top-quality amino acid products that can make a significant difference in the health and vitality of your plants. If you’re interested in learning more about our amino acid products or have any questions regarding their application and benefits, we encourage you to get in touch with us.

Our team of experts is here to assist you in implementing an effective strategy to enhance your plants’ overall health and reduce stress. Contact us today to explore how our amino acid solutions can contribute to your plant’s success. Your plants deserve the best, and we’re here to help you achieve just that.

Article compiled by our Redox Agronomists 

Soil is a biological wonderland teeming with microorganisms. There are more microorganisms in a single teaspoon of soil than people on Earth. Each kilogram of fertile soil can host an astonishing 500 billion bacteria (roughly 100 times the human population), 10 billion actinomycetes, and about 1 billion fungi. These tiny creatures are the unsung heroes of soil fertility. They cycle nutrients, improve soil structure, and support robust plant growth. Microorganisms also play a crucial role in breaking down harmful substances using special enzymes.

To boost soil health, we aim to increase the diversity of beneficial microorganisms. These microbial superheroes naturally inhabit the soil, producing antibiotics, enzymes, and phytohormones that benefit plants.

Microorganisms in soil depend on several factors, including temperature, humidity, oxygen levels, soil pH, and nutrient availability. Here’s a breakdown:

Increasing soil carbon levels can lead to better plant establishment and growth. While increasing soil carbon is highly desirable, it is also easily lost, so maintaining what you have is important.

Microbial Fertilisers

Microbial fertilisers are natural products containing bacteria, algae, fungi, or biological compounds. They benefit soil and plants by colonising the rhizosphere (the root zone) and making nutrients readily available to plant root hairs. When introduced into the soil, these microbes quickly colonise the rhizosphere, multiplying exponentially in the first 48 hours and producing trillions of microbes.

The Importance of Carbon for Soil Microorganisms

Soil microorganisms thrive as long as there’s a carbon source for energy. Humic acid is one such source that’s instrumental in fueling their activity.

Microorganisms offer a plethora of benefits to soil and plants:

Mycorrhiza: The Symbiotic Connection

Mycorrhizal associations are mutualistic symbioses between soil fungi and plant roots, benefiting over 95% of plants. Two common types are ectomycorrhizas and endomycorrhizas, which help plants collect water and nutrients.

Mycorrhizae offer many benefits, including improved root structure, nutrient regulation, increased chlorophyll, better anchoring, phosphate supply, enhanced photosynthesis, improved plant reserves, and reduced mortality during transplanting. They also make plants more resilient to environmental stress.

Understanding the world of soil microorganisms and their symbiotic relationships can help us unlock the full potential of soil health and plant growth.

Got a question for our Agronomist? Click here

Article compiled by our Redox Agronomists 

 

It is well known that free range layer chickens’ welfare has been improved. However, the free-range system also provides harsher environments for layer hens to expose to parasites and bacterial challenges. Simultaneously, antibiotics removal trends in layer production require more and more antibiotics alternatives available.

The glucose oxidase (GOD) is exogenously produced by specific fungi fermentation to oxidize β-D-Glucose into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, consuming large amounts of oxygen at the same time in the chicken gut. Therefore, it can protect against oxidative stress and directly kill some pathogenic bacteria or Eimeria parasites. GOD also plays an important role in colour development, flavour, texture, and increasing the shelf life of food products. Due to its characteristics of producing natural acid, deoxygenation and sterilization, GOD has been widely used in animal production.

Recently, Muniyappan et al., (2022) reported an experiment to investigate the graded levels of GOD on egg production and egg quality.  On the base of a standard corn-soybean meal diets, 100, 200, and 300 ppm GOD were added to include a total of 4 treatments.   The effect of GOD on free range egg production and egg quality was listed in Table 1. It is clearly shown that adding 300 ppm GOD increased free range egg production by 2.2% and significantly reduced broken eggs due properly to increased eggshell quality.

On the base of a standard corn-soybean meal control diet containing probiotics, VTR added 1000 unit /kg GOD plus half dosage of probiotics (GOD 1) and 2000 unit/kg GOD (GOD 2) to include 3 treatments for laying hens. The effect of GOD on laying production rate of 4 weeks was shown in Figure 1. The addition of 2000 unit/kg GOD achieved best results.

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

Currently most dogs are fed highly processed food that is quite different from canine ancestral diets. Sweeteners are quite often included in processed dog food to mask unpleasant taste or enhance the acceptance of the food. 

In the recent years, due to health issues, numerous low-calorie sugar free sweeteners have been developed to replace sucrose.  Table 1 shows relative sweetness, acceptable daily intake (ADI) of some of some sweeteners.

Table 1 The relative sweeteners and ADI (mg/kg body weight/day) of some sweeteners

It is noteworthy that xylitol will result in fatal reduction in blood glucose levels and the liver failure has been reported in dogs.

Stevia is a sugar substitute made from the leaves of the stevia plant. it is about 250 to 300 times sweeter than sucrose. However, some people complain it is bitter.

Neohesperidine Dihydrochalcone (NHDC) is a sensory sweetener derived from the hydrogenation of Neohesperidine, a flavanone which is found in the immature fruit of bitter oranges. It is about 1000-1800 times as sweet as sucrose.  However, commercially available Sugarex containing 10% NHDC is about 150 times as sweet as sucrose and its recommended dosage rates in dog dry food is 50-150 g/MT.

More importantly, all those alternative sweeteners are not effective substrates for plaque bacteria and therefore less likely result in dental caries. However, it is noticed that approximately 50-88% dogs over three years of age have periodontal disease and adding 0.6% sodium hexametaphosphate significantly reduced the area covered by dental calculus. In cats, it is reported that adding 1.2% lactic acid in a maintenance food significantly inhibited oral substrate accumulation.

Adding NHDC to weaning piglets, calf and fish diets also significantly increase the feed intake of young animals.

Report by Redox Animal Nutritionists

It is well known that reduced protein diets in broiler chickens could lessen nitrogen excretion and environmental pollution. However, the successful strategy for broiler chicken production fed on reduced protein diets largely depends on both exact amino acids balance and sufficient quantity. 

Currently ideal amino acids profile and absolute standardised ileal digestible lysine concentrations provide this recommendation on amino acids balance and quantity, respectively. In reduced protein diets, if any amino acid is deficient or limiting, ingestion of excess of other amino acids will result in accumulation of these amino acids in plasma, leading to the reduction in feed intake.  Figure 1 clearly shows that when the reduced protein diet is deficient in Arginine, it will result in increased plasma lysine, methionine plus cysteine, threonine, Valine, and isoleucine concentrations, indicating these surplus essential amino acids could not be degraded for muscle growth.

Figure 1. The effect of Arginine deficiency on plasma amino acids concentration (log ug/ml)

 

Arginine is one of most versatile functional amino acids because it is a precursor of several molecules, such as creatine, ornithine, nitric oxide, citrulline, proline, and polyamines. Apart from protein synthesis, it can stimulate the release of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1.

Arginine also acts as a trigger of target of rapamycin (TOR) signalling system activation for reducing protein degradation. Supplementation of L-Arginine has been approved significantly increase Nitric oxide and reduce ascites related mortality.

In recent updated amino acids profile recommended by Aviagen breeder company, the SID Arginine to SID Lysine ratio has been increased significantly, up to 110% in the finisher period. A 42 days broiler chicken trial conducted in the University of Sydney clearly showed that when SID Arginine to Lysine ratio increased from 107% to 113%, plasma Lysine, methionine plus cysteine, and threonine concentrations were significantly reduced (Figure 2).

Increasing SID valine to Lysine ratio from 76% to 81%, SID isoleucine to lysine ratio from 69% to 73%, and SID Arginine to lysine ratio from 107 % to 113%, increased breast meat by 59 grams.

Figure 2. Plasma lysine, methionine plus cysteine, and threonine concentrations in response to dietary SID Arg/Lys ratios.

Report by Redox Animal Nutritionists

Taurine is a β-amino acid containing a sulfonate instead of a carboxylic group in α-amino acids. It is vital for organ development and aging but not for protein synthesis. Taurine is needed for membrane stabilization, has cytoprotective and cell volume regulation effects, and maintains calcium homeostasis and signalling. 

Taurine deficiency impairs growth, fertility, triggers immune deficiency, muscle atrophy, and increased susceptibility of diseases, resulting in a pathological condition known as green liver in strictly marine species due to bile pigments accumulation. Under normal nutritional conditions, fish can produce taurine via methionine-cysteine metabolism pathway.

It is well known that a steady decline of fish meal inclusion levels in aqua cultural feeds has pushed higher inclusion levels of plant protein rich ingredients supplemented crystalline methionine. We assume that the higher level of dietary methionine supplementation might provide a sufficient taurine precursor to support growth rate in fish. However, Gaylord et al (2007) indicated dietary taurine supplementation was indeed beneficial fort rout fed all-plant protein diets, but supplementation of methionine above the requirement could not spare taurine.

Based on the control diet without supplemental methionine and taurine, taurine and methionine were supplemented at 0, 5, or 10 g/kg diet in a 3 x3 factorial design, respectively (figure 1).

Figure 1. 9 experimental diets in 3×3 factorial design.

 

The relative body weight gains in 9 dietary treatments were shown in Figure 2. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between Taurine and methionine supplementation. Adding about extra 6.5 g/kg taurine could optimize Rainbow Trout body weight gain.

Figure 2. Relative body weight gain in response to taurine and methionine supplementation

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

Gut health is important for weaning piglets, in particular when the high dosage of ZnO and antibiotics are removed from piglets feeds..

Apart from the dietary nutrients’ digestion and absorption, the gut is the largest immune organ in pigs and can be divided into four protection layers (Figure 1, Gao et al, 2020).

Exogenous bile acids

Figure 1. The different protective layers of the intestinal barrier

The commensal bacterial barrier is a complex environment playing a key role in maintaining the gut health; the chemical barrier consists of the mucus layer secreting mucins and antimicrobial peptides; the physical barrier is composed of epithelial cells and the immunological barrier harbouring the immune cells that secreted immune mediators such as cytokines and antibodies.

Traditionally bile acids are bio-surfactants, assisting intestinal digestion and absorption of lipids and fatty soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, D, E and K, and thereby improving nutrient utilization. Recently, in the gut epithelial cell, bile acids are identified as signalling molecules  to activate a couple of  nuclear receptors, namely farnesoid X receptor (FXR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and G-Protein coupled receptor (TGR5). Therefore, bile acids play an important role in regulating epithelial barrier functions.

In 2018, Ipharraguerre et al indicated that currently all alternatives including probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, essential oils, antimicrobial and plants extracts to antibiotics or high dosage of ZnO underlined their growth promotion action. They demonstrated that either antibiotics or the high dosage of ZnO could activate bile acids receptors and consequently spare nutrients for growth and improve the metabolic efficiency of antibiotics or the high dosage of ZnO treated animals. Therefore, it is necessary for adding the exogenous bile acids to antibiotics free or the high dosage ZnO free diets in weaning piglets.

Based on experimental data in China, Belgium, adding 350 grams per MT feed commercially available exogenous bile acids could improve daily weight gain by 9% and FCR by 7 points.

Report by Redox Animal Nutritionists

Redox the leading distributor of chemicals and ingredients in Australia has acquired the business of Optigen Ingredients Pty Ltd completing the transaction on the 25th of August 2023.

Optigen is an Australian market-leading company specialising in the supply of raw materials and speciality ingredients used in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, functional foods, veterinary and animal nutrition market segments in Australia and New Zealand.

Their range includes innovative and specialised ingredients including Vitamins, Amino Acids, Minerals, Natural Oils, Herbal Extracts, Joint Health products, Marine Oils and Veterinary APIs.

CEO and Managing Director Raimond Coneliano said “We’re very excited to add Optigen’s products to our expanding portfolio to benefit our large existing customer base in the Nutraceutical market in addition to extending Redox’s best-in-class service and wide range to Optigen’s existing clients across a range of industry sectors.”

Contact your Redox representative for more information.

Taurine is a β-amino acid containing a sulfonate instead of a carboxylic group in α-amino acids. It is vital for organ development and aging but not for protein synthesis. Taurine is needed for membrane stabilization, has cytoprotective and cell volume regulation effects, and maintains calcium homeostasis and signalling. 

Aquatic feeds for farmed fish and shrimp are mainly made from protein rich ingredients such as fish meal, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal concentrate, yeast protein, pea protein concentrate, corn gluten meal and wheat gluten meal.

Historically fish meal has been the protein source of choice and currently there is no alternative to replace fish meal completely. It is probably since most alternative ingredients are deficient in one or more of the ten essential amino acids: lysine, methionine, threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, tryptophan, histidine, arginine, and phenylalanine. However, due to the high price and tight supply of fish meal, a steady decline of fish meal inclusion levels in aquacultural feeds has pushed higher inclusion levels of alternative protein rich ingredients supplemented crystalline essential amino acids.

Histidine is an integral component of a broad set of tissues including skin, bone, ligaments, and muscle. It also stimulates the digestive secretion of gastrin, a hormone that is essential for digestion of dietary protein. Histidine deficiency could induce a decrease in amino acids oxidation and a decrease protein turnover. For Atlantic salmon, it is reported that a minimum dietary histidine concentration of 1.4% is needed for the prevention of cataracts. Compared with fish meal, usually animal protein alternatives contain less histidine (Table 1).  In Table 1, it is also clearly shown that using wheat gluten meal to replace soy protein concentrate might obtain similar histidine concentration but lower arginine concentration to that in fish meal.

Table 1 some essential amino acids in protein rich ingredients (%)

 

Histidine is an amino acid that has the most powerful impact on fish palatability and providing adequate levels of histidine is critically important for fish or shrimp growth. For shrimps, the dietary requirement of histidine is about 0.8%, corresponding to 2.2% dietary crude protein level. For Rainbow trout, the dietary requirement of histidine is about 0.6%, corresponding to 1.2% crude protein level. For Nile tilapia, the dietary requirement of histidine is about 1%, corresponding to 1.7% protein level. To prevent leaching of crystalline histidine, fish or shrimp diets can be bound with carboymethylcellulose, corn starch and K-carrageenan.

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.