The present invention is enclosed in the area of
animal feed, in particular in the field of fish feed.
Aquaculture has emerged as a crucial sector in meeting the growing global demand for seafood. However, stress in
aquaculture fish species can arise from numerous sources including handling, transportation, environmental fluctuations, and interactions with conspecifics. The object of the present invention is a feed comprising kyotorphin (KTP), preferably in its amidated derivative (Tyr-Arg.NH2) and a
protein hydrolysate. The KTP is present in the feed by supplementation of analogues, or endogenously within as part of a
dietary protein hydrolysate, as the
dipeptide TyrArg. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a functional feed to mitigate stress responses in
fish species used in
aquaculture by enhancing stress tolerance,
disease resistance, and growth efficiency in fish, ultimately leading to improved production outcomes and economic returns for
aquaculture operations.