Full utilization of liberated and modified fibers from plant biomass as feed binders

The growth of the global aquaculture industry is closely linked to the quality of aquafeed and water. This study aimed to improve the structural integrity of aquafeed to minimize feed degradation and nutrient loss in water by using processed plant biomass as a binder. We evaluated eight agricultural-based biomass feedstocks (cotton fiber, wheat straw, peanut fiber, distiller dried grain, hemp fiber, miscanthus, sugar beet, and soy hull) and two woody-based feedstocks (softwood and hardwood) as binding agents at a concentration of 0.5 %. These were compared to four natural control binders (carboxymethylcellulose, corn starch, alginate, and wheat gluten). All the diets with novel lignocellulosic-based binders exhibited significantly improved pellet water stability compared to the control diets with carboxymethylcellulose, alginate, and corn starch. Specifically, diets with distiller-dried grain, cotton fiber, and peanut fiber showed significantly better water stability than those with all tested control binders after being immersed in water for 2 h or longer. The water absorption property of pellets with the lignocellulosic micro-fibrillated fiber binders is negatively correlated with the water stability of pellets. Among the binders evaluated, distiller-dried grain, peanut fiber, cotton fiber, wheat straw, miscanthus, and hemp fiber ranked highest regarding water stability and nutrient retention in pellets. Growth, feed efficiency, and survival of shrimp fed diets with control or lignocellulosic-based binders for 6 weeks were not significantly influenced by binder type. Lignocellulosic-based binders enhance the water stability of pellets. They are highly abundant, renewable resources and provide a relatively inexpensive natural alternative to conventional binders. • Lignocellulosic-based binder utilizes diverse and abundant agricultural or forest biomass. • The lignocellulosic-based binders can reduce aquafeed waste and mitigate the environmental pollution of aquatic animal production, making them suitable for the circular economy. • The production of lignocellulosic-based binder is cost-effective, easy to produce, eco-friendly, and feasible for industrial production. • Dietary lignocellulosic-based binders improved feed integrity in water and had no adverse effect on shrimp performance.