author(s)
Mudasir Maqsood Hakim, Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Syed Mudasir Ahmad, Oyas Asmi, Towseef Akram, Shafat Hussain, Nadeem Shabir, Riaz Shah and Adnan Hussain Gora

abstract
Scientific intervention has played a pivotal role in growing aquaculture industry, but much more is required to achieve the set target to double the aquaculture production. Basic understanding of growth process is required for making any scientific strategy for enhancing the aquaculture production. Understanding the molecular mechanism of all these processes will reveal the inside picture of growth. With the recent developments in the field of genomic research in aquaculture, we are now faced with the unprecedented capability to use this technology and apply it in order to improve the feed utilization and to understand the fishes’ metabolic response towards a particular diet, feed ingredient or additive in a more comprehensive way. Although in India, nutrigenomics research on important aquaculture species is relatively new, however, transcriptomics studies have highlighted the impacts of different dietary treatments on specific genes that can be targeted via nutritional intervention to increase the performance of the cultured animals. Nutrition is very relevant environmental factor that exerts its effect on the genetic background impairing or improving the likelihood to develop disease. Functional components (Immunostimulants, antioxidants, pre- & probiotics) are being considered in fish nutrition aiming to improve fish growth &/or feed efficiency, stress tolerance and disease resistance. By emergent perceptive of dietary manipulation effects on fish production and productivity, research can facilitate us to develop elite feeds with positive effects on economics and animal welfare, and develop “designer fish” that target specific market demands.