Muhsinul Ihsan

PhD Candidate

Project: Characterisation of chitin and its derivatives in formulated feeds: physical properties of pellets and implications for physiology of spiny lobster Panulirus ornatus

Compared to fish, lobsters feed over an extended period, necessitating extended water stability of artificial feeds. Nutrient leaching lowers feed value while polluting the water and decreasing attractability of an artificial feed. As a result, feeds made to date have had poor success. Chitin and its derivatives (chitosan and oligochitosan) are particularly effective binding agents, while also having potential growth promotion and immunostimulant properties. The project will aim to produce water-stable lobster feed that promotes faster growth and excellent health. There will be five main activities; the literature will be systematically reviewed, followed by characterisation of lobster shell chitin and its derivatives as lobster feed ingredients. Thereafter, chitin, chitosan, and oligochitosan will be evaluated for their ability to improve physical properties of pellets, feeding behaviours, growth, and immune functions. This project will be beneficial for reducing waste and supporting the sustainability of lobster aquaculture.