Alternative proteins remodel the microbiome and support growth and development in zebrafish

Protein intake is indispensable to growing animals. As populations and
resource demands expand, animal protein-based diets cannot be sustained.
In order to validate a move completely away from these diets, we fed a
model vertebrate alternative proteins during development. Diets were based
on pea, milk and whey, as well as fishmeal (control). All diets supported
growth to some degree, with the exception of those high in milk and whey
proteins. The most promising diets were associated with the upregulation
of genes associated with insulin sensitivity and fat storage. The
microbiome reflected the dietary changes, with a shift occurring from
Fusobacteriota to Proteobacteria. Correlations were also noted with
health, as Cetobacterium positively affected development, while Aeromonas
did the opposite. Our findings may help direct the selection of specific
animal protein-free diets that can be introduced early into development to
maximize vertebrate health.