Mini review and bibliometric mapping on the impact of Palm Kernel Meal (PKM) as a feed ingredient on growth performance, carcass quality, digestive enzymes, and antioxidative capacity in aquatic animals

Palm kernel meal (PKM) is an agricultural byproduct widely used as an ingredient in animal feeds, including those for poultry, ruminants, pigs, and aquatic animals, due to its high nutritional value and cost-effectiveness. While PKM has been recognized as a promising alternative feed ingredient in aquaculture, research on its application remains underexplored and inadequately documented. A bibliometric analysis, conducted using VOSviewer Software, was employed to examine the bibliometric patterns and research trends surrounding PKM utilization in aquaculture. The Scopus database revealed a significant increase in PKM-related research over the past three decades. The bibliographic coupling analysis identified three primary research clusters: (1) the impact of treated PKM on the growth and health of tilapia, (2) the effects of PKM-based diets on carp species, and (3) the substitution of soybean meal (SBM) with PKM in aquatic animal feed. Co-word analysis further identified seven major research clusters related to PKM, including animal nutrition, growth performance, aquaculture, animal experimentation, experimental models of PKM, attractants, and alternative feed. This bibliometric review emphasizes the crucial role of PKM and highlights the emerging research trends focused on sustainable feed ingredients for the aquaculture industry.