The aim of this project is to develop a standardized germ-free and germ-associated rainbow trout larval model systems as a means to understand the interplay among novel nutraceuticals, defense system and gut microbiota with a focus to improve larval quality.
The commercially-important rainbow trout is the most farmed fish species in Sweden. Farming of this species is expected to increase significantly in the coming years because of the increasing interest among the fish farmers for the establishment of new recirculation farms for rainbow trout. However, the rainbow trout larval phase of the aquaculture production cycle is still affected by low and unpredictable survival, high susceptibility to diseases (caused e.g. by extreme weather events, pathogens), and slow growth. Owing to these, the supply of a sufficient number of high-quality fish seeds remains a major bottleneck for the current and future expansion of the trout farming industry.
To address these, more research on the larval production phase is warranted. To enable this, standardised and controlled experimental setups are a necessary prerequisite. First and foremost, we will endeavor to develop a standardized germ-free rainbow larval model system as a means to understand the interplay between novel nutraceuticals, defense system and gut microbiota with a focus to improve larval quality. Secondly, we will adapt this experimental set-up for the culture of germ-associated larvae to conduct conventional larval nutrition research.
Main Applicant:
Co-applicants:
Parisa Norouzitallab, Department of Animal Nutrition & Management, VH-Faculty at SLU.
Christos Palaiokostas, Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics, VH-Faculty at SLU.
Start and end date: 2022-01 to 2022-12
The project is funded by SLU Aquaculture, which support cross-faculty collaborations to further strengthen aquaculture research at SLU. Read more about SLU Aquaculture, current research projects and upcoming calls.