biostudies-literatureRimoldi SI-FISHI-FISH. AOO_IAI - AOO_Incentivi Fondo per la Crescita Sostenibile - Accordi per l'innovazione di cui al D.M. 31 Dicembre 2021 e D.D. 14 Novembre 2022. Impresa: VRM S.R.L. (C.F. 02779360243) - CapofilaPON-MISE I&C 2014-2020 FESR, ASSE I -Innovazione e Azione, Azione 1.1.3. D.M. 05/03/2018744https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11052083biostudies-literatureUnknown12(4)This study addressed the urgent need for sustainable protein sources in aquaculture due to the depletion of marine resources and rising costs. Animal protein sources, particularly poultry by-product meal (PBM) and insect exuviae meal, were investigated as viable alternatives to fishmeal (FM). The research study confirmed the successful replacement of FM with a combination of PBM and insect exuviae meal (up to 50%) in the diet of European seabass without compromising growth, feed conversion, gut health, and liver fat content. In particular, growth was robust with both PBM formulations, with the 25% PBM diet showing better results. Histological examinations showed good gut and liver health, contradicting the concerns of previous studies. This paper emphasizes the importance of holistic analyMicroorganismsThe Replacement of Fish Meal with Poultry By-Product Meal and Insect Exuviae: Effects on Growth Performance, Gut Health and Microbiota of the European Seabass, <i>Dicentrarchus labrax</i>.PMC11052083Protocollo nr: 414352—del 07/12/2023Protocollo nr: 414352 - del 07/12/2023project codex N. F/200078/01-03/X45, CUP B41B20000280005Rimoldi SKalemi VTerova GChiofalo BDi Rosa ARSaroglia MHasan IArmone RfalseThe Replacement of Fish Meal with Poultry By-Product Meal and Insect Exuviae: Effects on Growth Performance, Gut Health and Microbiota of the European Seabass, <i>Dicentrarchus labrax</i>.This study addressed the urgent need for sustainable protein sources in aquaculture due to the depletion of marine resources and rising costs. Animal protein sources, particularly poultry by-product meal (PBM) and insect exuviae meal, were investigated as viable alternatives to fishmeal (FM). The research study confirmed the successful replacement of FM with a combination of PBM and insect exuviae meal (up to 50%) in the diet of European seabass without compromising growth, feed conversion, gut health, and liver fat content. In particular, growth was robust with both PBM formulations, with the 25% PBM diet showing better results. Histological examinations showed good gut and liver health, contradicting the concerns of previous studies. This paper emphasizes the importance of holistic analy2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Apr2026-04-15T03:20:01.914Z2026-04-15T03:15:09.01ZS-EPMC110520833867468810.3390/microorganisms12040744