Effects of Different Protein Sources on Growth Performance, Muscle Flavor Substances and Quality Structure in Triploid Crucian Carp

Abstract

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different dietary protein sources on the growth performance, muscle flavor substances, and quality structure of Triploid Crucian Carp. Three isonitrogenous (32.00%), isolipidic (8.00%), and isoenergetic (18.00 MJ kg−1) practical diets were formulated. These diets consisted of fishmeal as the animal-derived protein source (AP), a combination of soybean meal and rapeseed meal as the plant-derived protein source (PP), and a mixture of fishmeal, soybean meal, and rapeseed meal as the mixed protein source (MP). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate tanks of fish and each tank was stocked with 25 fish (11.5 ± 0.4 g). The fish were fed until apparent satiation twice a day. The results showed a significant enhancement in the growth performance of Triploid Crucian Carp in the AP group compared with both the MP and PP groups (p < 0.05). Dietary plant derived protein can remarkably reduce the crude lipid content and increase the moisture content of the whole body and the dorsal muscle (p < 0.05). The antioxidant ability of fish in the PP group and MP group was better than that in the AP group (p < 0.05). Regarding free amino acids composition of muscle, the contents of glycine, methionine, and lysine were significantly enhanced in the AP group, while the histidine content was significantly increased in the PP group (p < 0.05). In terms of texture, dietary plant protein significantly improved the muscular hardness, gumminess, and chewiness. The activities of intestinal trypsin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of fish in the PP group were significantly higher than that in the AP group (p < 0.05). The expression levels of hepatopancreas TOR and IGF1 genes in the PP group were significantly higher than that in the MP group (p < 0.05). The present results indicate dietary fishmeal significantly improved the growth performance and muscular flavor glycine content, while dietary plant-based protein increased crude protein content, antioxidant ability, and muscular texture performance of Triploid Crucian Carp.

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“…The relationship between protein level and N excretion has also raised concerns [38,118]. Following the start of feeding, the digestive system plays a crucial role in providing AAs required for the rapid development of fish larval tissues.…”

“…Furthermore, fish meal has a rich supply of vitamins, minerals, and long-chain omega-3 FAs necessary for healthy animal growth [119]. However, the availability of fish meal has rapidly decreased due to overfishing, the constant fall in wild fish captures, and the quick expansion of aquaculture [87,118]. New feed ingredients are required for aquaculture due to a lack of fish meal, leading to higher fish feed costs [25].…”

“…Furthermore, the PER is higher in SWP than fish meal (>1.19 times) and compared to soybean meal (>2.08 times). Many authors have used various protein-rich plants to replace total or partial fish meals, like rapeseed meals, soybean meals, palm meals, and peanut meals, which are affordable [118,133]. For example, in 2024, Yang et al [118] assessed how various dietary protein sources (a mixture of soybean meal and rapeseed meal as the plant-derived protein, and a mixture of fish meal and soybean meal with rapeseed meal as the mixed protein) affect the intestinal absorption, antioxidant capability, growth performance, and muscle quality of triploid Crucian carp.…”

“…Many authors have used various protein-rich plants to replace total or partial fish meals, like rapeseed meals, soybean meals, palm meals, and peanut meals, which are affordable [118,133]. For example, in 2024, Yang et al [118] assessed how various dietary protein sources (a mixture of soybean meal and rapeseed meal as the plant-derived protein, and a mixture of fish meal and soybean meal with rapeseed meal as the mixed protein) affect the intestinal absorption, antioxidant capability, growth performance, and muscle quality of triploid Crucian carp. The findings offered a theoretical base for the sensible use of plant-derived protein in aquatic feed, which is necessary for the development of aquaculture in a sustainable manner.…”