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Bile acids: Normalization in aquaculture Kayla Wong, Manuka Biotech
Fats and oils possess the highest caloric value of all nutrients compared to carbohydrate and protein feedstuff sources. Hence, fats are widely added to animal diets to meet the high energy demands of highly productive animals. However, there are several factors that would limit digestion and absorption of dietary fat, and this is apparent in young animals with underdeveloped digestive systems and limited bile and digestive enzymes secretion or animals with very short digestive tracts. Furthermore, with the high energy inclusions in aquatic feeds, the majority of farmed aquatic animals, including fish and shrimp, are often met with liver or hepatopancreatic dysfunction. The types of feed additives used in aquatic feeds are very diverse and usually have functional properties, such as antioxidants, mold inhibitors, emulsifiers, stabilizers, binders, feed stimulants, attractants, growth promoters, molting inducers, immunomodulators,
antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, mycotoxins, pigmentation agents, antimicrobial compounds, organic acids, bile acids, herbal extracts, etc.
Functions of bile acids Bile acids are produced in the liver and are the major constituents of bile. It is secreted into the intestines where they promote fat utilization as a natural emulsifier, activating lipase to improve fat digestibility, and protecting the animal liver. Besides that, it also has many other functions that are somewhat less emphasized but equally important. Facilitate fat and fat-soluble vitamin digestion and absorption. 1. Emulsify fats. Bile acids are biosurfactants that allow fat to be emulsified into microdroplets. This greatly increases the total surface area of fat, increasing its availability for digestion by lipase.
Aquafeed: Advances in Processing & Formulation Vol 14 Issue 2 2022
