Which factors control the growth of fish in aquaculture?
Aquaculture is a growing industry and one of the main sources of protein production for human consumption. To achieve a sustainable and competitive industry, it is essential to investigate the factors that control fish somatic growth (peripheral nervous system which includes the cranial and spinal nerves). As nutrition is a key factor controlling fish growth and health status, it is necessary to understand the balance of nutrients needed to improve the production and growth of juvenile fish. 
This study published in Frontiers in Physiology by our researchers Maria J. Xavier, Sofia Engrola and Rita Colen in collaboration with researchers from Spain, shows that the application of dietary supplementation of natural antioxidants extracts in Senegalese sole larvae diets (Solea senegalensis) has improved their growth performance.

About the experience
Antioxidant levels play a very important role in protein turnover in fish by reducing the oxidative damage in the skeletal muscle, and hence promoting growth performance in the long-term. In this article, researchers studied how dietary natural extracts - curcumin and grape seeds - could act as growth modulators in Senegalese sole larvae. The experiment was carried out over 25 days, where growth, muscle cellularity and muscle development/growth expression patterns were evaluated.

New natural ingredients can improve fish growth and decrease the environmental impact of aquaculture 
The results of this study demonstrate that both diets can positively influence muscle development and promote growth in sole postlarvae. 
The main objective of this research was to promote aquaculture sustainability by investigating new natural functional ingredients for fish performance, increasing production efficiency, and decreasing environmental impact. In addition, this work highlights that Aquaculture can ensure the production of safe and nutritious products for EU citizens and to engage society to achieve long-term and sustainable outcomes. 

You can read the full article HERE.