KP Chan
Regional Technical Team Lead for Vitamins & Carotenoids
BASF Animal Nutrition, Asia Pacific
Singapore
KP is the Regional Technical Team Lead for Vitamins & Carotenoids in BASF Animal Nutrition, Asia Pacific. He has a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and did his post-doctoral fellowship in Harvard University, USA. KP has over 17 years of R&D experience in organic synthesis, formulation, and process technology, with more than 8 years of feed additive product development experience in the animal nutrition industry.
| Speaker | Precision Fish Nutrition, Health Interventions and Feed Efficiency |
| Presentation | Roles of Astaxanthin in Finfish Aquaculture from a Molecular Perspective |
Abstract
Astaxanthin is a highly conjugated C40 carotenoid pigment responsible for the vivid red and orange hues manifested in many aquatic species. Its molecular architecture not only imparts photochromic attributes in the skin and flesh, but also antioxidant capability in many metabolic processes in the body.
Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature, playing a pivotal role in sequestering harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protecting the integrity of crucial biomolecules in the physiological environment. Beyond its antioxidant properties, astaxanthin also regulates redox-sensitive signalling pathways, leading to enhancement in fish health and well-being. Oxidative stress can affect fish reproduction.
Astaxanthin supplementation in aquaculture diets increases reproductive performance in fish through improved egg quality and elevated hormone levels. This presentation explores how astaxanthin is predisposed to demonstrate antioxidant capability at the cellular level. Recent research studies on how the inclusion of astaxanthin in aquaculture feed can lead to positive outcomes in oxidative stress regulation. Fish reproductive performances will also be discussed.