Research shows that adding pineapple peel powder to fish feed at 6% concentration significantly boosts their immune system and disease resistance. In a study of 300 young fish, those receiving pineapple peel powder survived a bacterial infection at a rate of 82.5%, compared to just 45.6% survival in control fish, representing a 37-percentage-point improvement. According to Gram Research analysis, this natural supplement derived from food waste could help fish farmers reduce disease losses and antibiotic dependence in sustainable aquaculture.
Researchers discovered that adding pineapple peel powder to fish food significantly boosts their immune system and helps them survive bacterial infections. In a 60-day study with 300 young fish, those fed a diet containing 6% pineapple peel powder showed stronger immune responses, better blood health, and higher survival rates when exposed to harmful bacteria. According to Gram Research analysis, this natural supplement could offer fish farmers a sustainable way to keep their fish healthier without relying on antibiotics, potentially improving both fish welfare and food safety in aquaculture.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research study of 300 fish found that dietary supplementation with 6% pineapple peel powder increased serum lysozyme activity by 65%, from 112.3 to 185.6 units per milliliter, enhancing immune defense against bacterial infection.
Fish fed 6% pineapple peel powder demonstrated 82.5% survival following Aeromonas veronii bacterial challenge, compared to 45.6% survival in control fish, according to a 2026 aquaculture study of 300 fingerlings.
A 2026 study of 300 farmed fish showed that 6% dietary pineapple peel powder improved specific growth rate by 32%, from 2.15% to 2.84% per day, while simultaneously enhancing disease resistance.
Research published in 2026 found that pineapple peel powder supplementation improved feed conversion efficiency by 23% in young fish, reducing the amount of feed needed to gain body weight from a ratio of 1.85 to 1.42.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding pineapple peel powder to fish feed could strengthen their immune systems and help them resist bacterial infections
- Who participated: 300 young Labeo rohita fish (a common food fish species), each weighing about 15 grams at the start, divided into 5 groups receiving different amounts of pineapple peel powder
- Key finding: Fish receiving 6% pineapple peel powder in their diet survived bacterial infection at nearly twice the rate of control fish (82.5% survival versus 45.6% survival)
- What it means for you: This research suggests pineapple peel, a food waste product, could become a natural health booster for farmed fish, potentially leading to safer seafood and reduced antibiotic use in aquaculture
The Research Details
Scientists conducted a carefully controlled experiment lasting 75 days total. They divided 300 young fish into five equal groups and fed them different diets for 60 days: one control group received normal food, while four treatment groups received food mixed with 2%, 4%, 6%, or 8% pineapple peel powder. Pineapple peels contain bromelain, an enzyme with natural immune-boosting properties, plus other beneficial compounds usually thrown away as waste.
After 60 days of feeding, researchers tested the fish’s blood and immune system at regular intervals. On day 61, they deliberately exposed all fish to a harmful bacteria called Aeromonas veronii to see which groups could fight it off best. They then monitored survival rates and health markers for 15 more days after the infection challenge.
This approach mimics real-world conditions where farmed fish face disease outbreaks, making the results practically relevant for fish farmers.
This study design is important because it tests whether a natural, waste-based supplement can actually prevent disease in realistic conditions, not just in laboratory test tubes. By measuring multiple health markers over time and then challenging the fish with real bacteria, researchers could determine if pineapple peel powder truly strengthens fish immunity in ways that matter for survival.
The study used proper scientific controls with multiple replicate groups, measured several different immune markers rather than just one, and included a realistic disease challenge. The sample size of 300 fish is substantial for aquaculture research. However, this research was conducted in laboratory conditions with one fish species, so results may vary in commercial farm settings or with other species.
What the Results Show
Fish fed 6% pineapple peel powder showed dramatically better immune function compared to control fish. Their serum lysozyme activity, a key immune protein that kills bacteria, reached 185.6 units per milliliter compared to just 112.3 in control fish, representing a 65% increase. Blood cell counts improved significantly, with higher levels of both red and white blood cells, indicating better oxygen transport and stronger infection-fighting capacity.
When exposed to the harmful bacteria, the difference became even more striking. Fish in the 6% pineapple peel group survived at a rate of 82.5%, meaning only about 1 in 5 fish died from infection. In contrast, control fish had only a 45.6% survival rate, meaning nearly 1 in 2 died. This 37-percentage-point difference represents a major improvement in disease resistance.
Beyond survival, fish receiving pineapple peel powder also grew faster and converted feed to body weight more efficiently. The 6% group showed a specific growth rate of 2.84% per day versus 2.15% in controls, and they needed less food to gain the same amount of weight (feed conversion ratio of 1.42 versus 1.85).
Additional immune markers showed consistent improvements with pineapple peel supplementation. Antioxidant enzymes, which protect cells from damage, increased significantly. Total serum protein and albumin levels were higher in treated fish, indicating better nutritional status and immune capacity. These improvements appeared gradually over the 60-day feeding period, suggesting the benefits build up over time rather than appearing immediately.
This research aligns with earlier studies showing that bromelain and other compounds in pineapple have immune-boosting properties. However, this appears to be the first study demonstrating these benefits in farmed fish at practical supplementation levels. Previous research on natural supplements in aquaculture has shown mixed results, but this study’s use of a waste product makes it particularly promising for sustainable farming.
The study tested only one fish species and one type of bacteria, so results may not apply to all farmed fish or all infections. The research occurred in controlled laboratory settings, which may differ from busy commercial fish farms with varying water quality and stress levels. The optimal 6% dose was identified in this specific study but might differ for other fish species or farming conditions. Additionally, long-term effects beyond 75 days were not examined, and cost-benefit analysis for commercial farms was not included.
The Bottom Line
Fish farmers should consider adding 6% pineapple peel powder to feed as a natural immune booster, particularly for young fish or during seasons when disease outbreaks are common. This recommendation is based on strong evidence from a controlled study showing substantial survival improvements. However, farmers should start with small trials on their own farms to confirm results in their specific conditions before full implementation.
Fish farmers and aquaculture companies should prioritize this research, as it offers a practical way to reduce disease losses and potentially decrease antibiotic use. Consumers interested in sustainably raised seafood should care because this approach uses food waste and reduces reliance on medications. Regulatory agencies focused on aquaculture sustainability should consider this as a model for natural health management.
Immune system improvements began appearing within 15 to 30 days of feeding pineapple peel powder, with maximum benefits visible by day 60. Disease resistance benefits became apparent only after the full 60-day feeding period, suggesting farmers need to plan ahead and begin supplementation well before disease risk periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pineapple peel powder really help fish fight infections better?
Yes. A 2026 study found that fish fed 6% pineapple peel powder survived bacterial infection at 82.5%, nearly double the 45.6% survival rate in control fish. The powder contains bromelain and other compounds that strengthen immune function.
How long does it take for pineapple peel to boost fish immunity?
Immune improvements began appearing within 15 to 30 days of feeding pineapple peel powder, with maximum benefits visible by day 60. Full disease resistance benefits require the complete 60-day feeding period before infection exposure.
What percentage of pineapple peel powder should be added to fish feed?
Research shows 6% pineapple peel powder in feed produced the best results, significantly improving immune markers, survival rates, and growth. Higher percentages (8%) did not provide additional benefits in this study.
Is pineapple peel powder safe for all types of farmed fish?
This study tested only one fish species (Labeo rohita), so results may not apply to all farmed fish. Farmers should conduct small trials on their own species and conditions before full implementation.
Could pineapple peel powder reduce the need for antibiotics in fish farming?
Potentially. By significantly improving disease resistance and survival rates, pineapple peel powder could reduce disease losses and antibiotic dependence. However, additional research on commercial farms is needed to confirm this benefit.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily feed supplementation percentage and monitor fish health metrics weekly, recording survival rates, growth measurements, and any visible signs of disease or stress
- Set a reminder to gradually introduce pineapple peel powder at 6% of daily feed rations, starting with small batches to test acceptance and adjusting based on fish feeding behavior and growth response
- Maintain a 60-day feeding log documenting feed consumption, weight gain, and health observations, then conduct a disease challenge or monitor natural disease occurrence to assess immune improvements over time
This research demonstrates promising results in laboratory conditions with one fish species. Results may vary in commercial farm settings, with different fish species, or under different environmental conditions. Farmers should conduct small-scale trials before implementing this supplement at full scale. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace consultation with aquaculture specialists or veterinarians. Always follow local regulations regarding feed additives and aquaculture practices.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.