Date: 01/09/2024

Do you know what bioactive peptides are? These nutrients have been increasingly used in animal nutrition due to the numerous benefits they provide.

Besides being practical for daily use in animal nutrition, including fish, they act directly on the activity of immune cells, facilitate feed conversion, and improve the nutritional value of marine species.

Considering the importance of this topic, in this content, we will explain in more detail what bioactive peptides are, their applications in aquaculture, and the main benefits provided by this biological element. Keep reading to learn more.

Topics:

Bioactive Peptides: Concept

These are organic molecules formed by the combination of amino acids through peptide bonds. The molecules differ from each other depending on the type of amino acid formed. [1]

It is important to note that peptides with more than 70 amino acids are called proteins [2]. Therefore, we can say that proteins are made up of a large set of amino acids. Peptides are naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meat and fish in general. This biological element performs several functions, such as strengthening immunity, regulating hormonal activity, etc.

Use of Peptides in Aquaculture

For various reasons, these elements have wide application in aquaculture. First, the development of an adequate diet keeps animals healthy, improves survival rates, and favors proper growth. This allows producers to offer a quality product to consumers, providing a positive return to breeders.

Peptides and hydrolyzed proteins are used to improve animal health. They can contain antioxidant, antihypertensive properties and even help improve immunity.

Benefits of Bioactives

There are several positive aspects provided by bioactives, many of which are related to mass gain, nutritional value optimization, and feed conversion. We will highlight these issues in more detail below.

Mass Gain

Peptides enable rapid absorption and are quickly broken down into micronutrients by the body. This facilitates digestion, allowing animals to feed more efficiently, promoting mass or weight gain.

Improves Nutritional Value

Bioactives have a rich nutritional value, especially in proteins. Additionally, they contain well-formulated vitamins and do not cause digestive stress in animals.

Stimulates the Immune System

Peptide molecules improve the immune system, reducing the likelihood of disease transmission such as viruses and other complex illnesses.

This occurs because bioactives act as antioxidants and antimicrobials, serving as barriers against potential attacks by viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms.

Facilitates Digestion

Being a functional food, bioactives are easy to digest and do not burden the animals' stomachs, including marine species.

Feed Conversion

Bioactives are efficient and nutritious, improving feed conversion. For this reason, formulations containing peptides are highly sought after in the market.

How Do Hydrolyzed Proteins Influence Animal Nutrition?

As mentioned earlier, peptides formed by more than 70 amino acids are considered proteins. Therefore, it can be said that protein elements are one of the main bioactives used in animal nutrition.

Hydrolyzed proteins directly impact nutrition by providing a diet rich in amino acids. This happens because this type of food is complete and has good nutritional value.

Since hydrolyzed protein elements are catalyzed and transformed into peptides or bioactives, they are rapidly absorbed. This allows for balanced amino acids in the bloodstream.

Bioactives emerge as a powerful tool for optimizing the nutrition and health of aquatic organisms. Their ability to modulate various physiological functions, such as the immune system, growth, and reproduction, makes them valuable allies in the quest for more sustainable and efficient aquaculture.

When incorporated into feeds, these bioactives can improve feed conversion, reduce susceptibility to diseases, and promote animal well-being, resulting in higher quality products with added value.

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References: [1] WU G. Amino acids: biochemistry and nutrition. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2013.
[2] GUTTE B. Peptides: Synthesis Structure and Applications. Academic Press: New York 1995.