Scholarly record
THE IMPACT OF PHYTOGENIC ADDITIVES ON REPRODUCTION IN CULTURED FISH: A REVIEW
Abstract
Aquaculture has become an essential component of global food production, offering a sustainable source of animal protein. However, the sector continues to face significant challenges related to environmental sustainability and suboptimal reproductive efficiency. In recent years, the incorporation of plant-derived bioactive compounds, commonly referred to as phyto-additives, has emerged as a promising, natural alternative to synthetic additives and chemotherapeutics. These substances can improve growth performance, feed utilization, water quality and immune responses in cultured fish species. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that phyto-additives can also modulate fish reproductive performance, influencing hormonal activity, gametogenesis and spawning success. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the mechanisms through which phyto-additives like essential oils, carotenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, saponins and phytoestrogens, affect fish reproduction axis, highlighting their potential applications current limitations, and future research directions. Understanding these interactions may contribute to the development of more efficient and environmentally responsible aquaculture systems.
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