Original Title:
Evaluation of the nutritional value of fermented pangasius fish waste and its potential as a poultry feed supplement
SDGs Connection
- Primary SDG: SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
Secondary SDGs: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 14 – Life Below Water
Narrative Explanation
A research team from Universitas Padjadjaran explored an innovative way to transform pangasius fish processing waste into a high-quality poultry feed supplement through microbial fermentation. With the growing demand for sustainable livestock feed, this study focused on converting discarded fish parts—heads, fins, bones, and innards—into nutrient-rich feed ingredients.
The researchers used a microbial consortium of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Rhizopus microsporus, and Yarrowia lipolytica (PaRmYl) to ferment fish waste under different conditions. The fermentation process significantly boosted crude protein content (up to 37.27%), improved amino acid balance, and enriched beneficial fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. Enzyme activity and antioxidant properties also improved, making the fermented fish waste (FPW) more digestible and nutritionally valuable than untreated fish waste.
To test real-world applicability, the study fed the FPW-based diet to broiler chickens. Results showed higher digestibility (75.53%) and better nitrogen retention compared to conventional feed. This indicates that FPW not only supports poultry growth but also reduces reliance on traditional feed resources like fishmeal, which has been criticized for contributing to overfishing.
The research highlights how waste valorization through bioconversion can provide a sustainable, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternative in the poultry industry. It also addresses environmental concerns by reducing fish waste pollution, aligning strongly with the principles of circular economy and sustainable agriculture.
Credits
Meet the Researchers: This study was conducted by Abun Abun, Denny Rusmana, Kiki Haetami, and Tuti Widjastuti from Universitas Padjadjaran, integrating expertise in animal nutrition, feed technology, and fisheries science.
Hashtags
#UnpadResearch #SustainableFeed #CircularEconomy #ZeroWaste #SDG12 #PoultryNutrition #FishWasteValorization