Starch is a key component in fish feed formulations, serving as a binder to enhance pellet expansion and improve pellet quality, thereby reducing nutrient loss through water leaching. It is also a cost-effective energy source, lowering feed costs by replacing more expensive ingredients. However, carnivorous fish, including giant grouper, face inherent difficulties in starch digestion, absorption, and utilisation.

The aim of the research is to optimise formulated feeds for giant grouper by thoroughly investigating how dietary starch sources, inclusion levels, and gelatinisation degrees affect their growth, physiological responses, and overall health. The study also seeks to identify effective strategies for enhancing the welfare of giant grouper-fed high-starch diets by incorporating prebiotics or short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) into their feeds.

The findings from this research will advance our understanding of giant grouper nutrition and support the development of specialised feeds to improve their growth and well-being. Furthermore, as many marine species exhibit similar responses to starches, these insights could also contribute to enhancing feed formulations for other marine fish species.