An immunomodulatory feed additive for fish: walnut (juglans regia) green HUSK extract

Abstract

The invention relates to walnut (Juglans regia) green husk extract for use as a feed additive in fish feeds in the aquaculture sector, which regulates the immune system of fish and, in particular, strengthens resistance against diseases.

Description

[0001] AN IMMUNOMODULATORY FEED ADDITIVE FOR FISH: WALNUT (Juglans regia) GREEN HUSK EXTRACT

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to walnut (Juglans regia) green husk extract for use as a feed additive in fish feeds in the aquaculture sector, which regulates the immune system of fish and, in particular, strengthens resistance against diseases.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Due to various factors such as the depletion of natural stocks, developments in aquaculture and the food industry, and the use of feed additives, global aquaculture production is increasing rapidly. Feed conversion ratios in fish vary between approximately 0.8 and 2.5 depending on species and environmental conditions. In aquaculture farms, it is essential to obtain benefits from all feed components, such as improving digestibility, reducing feed conversion ratio, regulating the microbiota, stimulating the immune system, and / or supporting reductions in operational production costs. For this reason, since feed ingredient options are limited, numerous studies have been conducted by researchers focusing on feed additives derived from plants and plant-based materials. Plant extracts are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) and contain low-molecular-weight aromatic compounds such as terpenes, terpenoids, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and oxygenated compounds. Due to their effectiveness in disease management, immune enhancement, and resistance against pathogens, as well as their environmentally friendly nature, plant-based supplements have been tested in aquaculture as alternatives to chemical agents. Many active plant extracts are also frequently used in the treatment of a wide range of clinical conditions, including liver diseases.

[0006] In the prior art, even when a certain level of nutritional performance can be achieved through the direct use of fish feeds, feed additives are additionally preferred as substances that exert a sufficient effect on the immune system of fish. The primary reasons for this preference include more efficient use of labor, cost reduction, and increased production performance. At the same time, with the growth of the global population, consumers have increasingly focused on healthy nutrition. Over the past five decades, the seafood sector has undergone rapid development, gained economic significance in numerous countries, and increased its share in global trade. It is projected that the global seafood market will reach USD 254.2 billion in 2024 and rise to USD 331 .64 billion by 2028. The expansion of aquaculture within the aquatic products industry increases the frequency of diseases and their potentially devastating effects. Antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, and other immune-supporting additives are used for both prevention and treatment of diseases. However, due to the adverse effects of these substances on ecology and human health, the use of plant-based products has increased. Feed additives used to enhance efficiency in aquaculture may cause environmental damage and contribute to the development of pathogen resistance. In order to mitigate these negative effects, it is necessary to utilize plant-based products and extracts to improve growth and reproductive performance of fish and to strengthen their immune systems.

[0007] In view of the continuously increasing levels of production, particularly in aquaculture and more broadly in all forms of animal husbandry, innovative methods are required for producing a component of high nutritional value that is suitable for use as a feed additive.

[0008] Description of the Invention

[0009] In the present description, walnut (Juglans regia) green husk extract is disclosed as meeting the aforementioned requirements, eliminating existing disadvantages, and providing additional benefits, without imposing any limiting effect on the growth performance of fish.

[0010] The present invention relates to an extract obtained from walnut (Juglans regia) green husk for use as a feed additive, which regulates the immune system of fish and strengthens immunity, thereby meeting the aforementioned requirements, eliminating existing disadvantages, and providing additional benefits.

[0011] The primary object of the invention is to use walnut (Juglans regia) green husk extract as a feed additive in fish feeds in order to regulate the immune system of fish. Another object of the invention is to strengthen the immune system of fish by using walnut (Juglans regia) green husk extract as a feed additive.

[0012] In order to achieve the objectives described above, the present invention provides walnut (Juglans regia) green husk extract for use as a feed additive in fish feeds.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the immune system of fish is regulated by means of walnut (Juglans regia) green husk extract.

[0014] In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the immune system of fish is strengthened by incorporating walnut (Juglans regia) green husk extract into fish feeds.

[0015] In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, an extract obtained from walnut (Juglans regia) green husk is used as a feed additive in fish.

[0016] The walnut (Juglans regia) green husk extract according to the invention is preferably incorporated into fish feed in an amount of 0.1-1% by weight.

[0017] As a waste by-product generated during walnut (Juglans regia) harvesting, the walnut green husk is subjected to freeze-drying and subsequently ground to obtain a powder. Twenty grams of the resulting powder is mixed with 800 mL of methyl alcohol (methanol) and maintained in a dark environment for 72 hours with agitation at 8-hour intervals. At the end of the 72-hour period, methanol is removed from the medium using an evaporator, and the resulting extract is incorporated into fish feeds at a rate of 0.1-1% during the feed preparation stage. Fish fed with the prepared feed thereby exhibit a regulated and strengthened immune system.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Walnut (Juglans regia) green husk extract for use as a feed additive in fish feeds in the aquaculture sector, which regulates the immune system of fish and, in particular, strengthens resistance against diseases, characterized in that the walnut (Juglans regia) green husk extract is incorporated into the fish feed as a feed additive in an amount of 0.1-1% by weight.

2. A method for preparing the extract for use as a feed additive, characterized in that walnut green husk is subjected to freeze-drying, subsequently ground to obtain a powder, 20 grams of the resulting powder is mixed with 800 mL of methyl alcohol (methanol) and maintained in a dark environment for 72 hours with agitation at 8- hour intervals, and methanol is thereafter removed from the medium by means of an evaporator to obtain the extract.