Asian Journal of Advances in Research

Weaning is a critical phase in aquaculture that marks the transition of fish larvae from live feed to artificial or formulated diets. This process is not only essential for improving the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of hatchery operations but also for ensuring uniform growth and reducing dependence on live feed cultures, which are often inconsistent in nutritional value and labour-intensive to maintain. Traditional weaning methods rely heavily on live feeds such as rotifers and Artemia, which, despite their benefits, present issues related to nutritional inadequacy and microbial contamination. In recent years, innovative weaning strategies have emerged, including the development of microdiets, nanoencapsulated feeds, and enzyme-enriched formulations that cater to the physiological needs of developing larvae. Furthermore, the integration of probiotics, prebiotics, and immunostimulants has enhanced gut health and immunity during the transition phase. Technological advances in feed processing, such as cold extrusion and spray drying, have improved nutrient stability and feed acceptability. Looking ahead, future research is expected to focus on species-specific nutritional programming, precision feeding, and the use of alternative sustainable ingredients to optimize larval health and growth. These advancements collectively aim to improve survival rates, feed efficiency, and the overall success of larval rearing in aquaculture.