The aim of this PhD project is to gain a better understanding of how feeding of dietary supplements, derived from new and sustainable sources, affect nutrient uptake, metabolism and gene expression and the gut micro flora of rainbow trout.
Finding cheap and sustainably available feedstuffs, alternative to fishmeal and soy protein, are one of the highest priorities in aquaculture research. In this context, waste and by-products from households, agriculture and forestry as potential sources of feed materials for feed production are now under investigation. Mussels from the Baltic Sea, insects, fungi, microorganisms and processed cellulose from the forest industry and cultivated tunicates (Ciona intestinalis) are examples of alternative feed materials that are likely to be used as feed for fish. Several of the proposed feed materials contain bioactive substances, such as chitin, manans, beta-glucans, cellooligosaccharides. In the framework of this PhD project, we will first aimed at determining the possible growth- and health-promoting effects of the "pure" substances by carrying out feeding experiments on rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss). Subsequently, we will aim at unravelling the underpinning mechanisms behind the (possible) observe effects by focusing on nutrient uptake, intestinal health and microflora, and expression of genes associated with intestinal proteins and immunity.
Torbjörn Lundh (Professor)
Anna Schnürer (Professor at Biocenter), Johan Dicksved and Aleksandar Vidakovic.
Alternative feed sources : Effect on gut microbiota, immunity and health of rainbow trout