Salmon x trout hybrid performance
Methods for producing sterile fish are essential for the environmental sustainability of aquaculture. One method of producing sterile fish is to use the progeny of crosses between Atlantic salmon and brown trout (salmon x trout). Although these hybrids are viable, little knowledge exists on their performance within the culture environment. However, it is known that the viability of salmon x trout progeny can be increased by the addition of triploidy. The current project will increase the knowledge base on hybrid performance, as both diploids and triploids.
The describe experiment will gain knowledge on
1) The early freshwater growth performance of diploid and triploid hybrids, compared to purebred salmon
2) The osmoregulatory performance of diploid and triploid hybrids, compared to purebred salmon
3) The seawater growth performance of diploid and triploid hybrids, compared to purebred salmon
4) The prevalence of skeletal deformities in diploid and triploid hybrids, compared to purebred salmon
The purpose of these experiments is to confirm an earlier observation that these salmon x trout hybrids can outgrow purebred salmon in freshwater, but they have more skeletal deformities, and to collect data on their potential performance in seawater. This knowledge is required in order for a more thorough assessment of the potential for sterile hybrids to be used in aquaculture.
Growth trials induce minimum stress to the animals, the only stress being associated with tagging and moving fish between tanks. Similarly, assessing skeletal deformities is not expected to cause stress or harm to the animals. We do expect some stress to a subsample of fish used to assess osmoregulatory performance, but this information is relevant for linking seawater performance to physiology.
All experiments have been designed to minimize the number of experimental animals, while still providing useful scientific data.
We expect to use a total of 720 animals. This number is required to have relevant data on all the necessary endpoints.
The describe experiment will gain knowledge on
1) The early freshwater growth performance of diploid and triploid hybrids, compared to purebred salmon
2) The osmoregulatory performance of diploid and triploid hybrids, compared to purebred salmon
3) The seawater growth performance of diploid and triploid hybrids, compared to purebred salmon
4) The prevalence of skeletal deformities in diploid and triploid hybrids, compared to purebred salmon
The purpose of these experiments is to confirm an earlier observation that these salmon x trout hybrids can outgrow purebred salmon in freshwater, but they have more skeletal deformities, and to collect data on their potential performance in seawater. This knowledge is required in order for a more thorough assessment of the potential for sterile hybrids to be used in aquaculture.
Growth trials induce minimum stress to the animals, the only stress being associated with tagging and moving fish between tanks. Similarly, assessing skeletal deformities is not expected to cause stress or harm to the animals. We do expect some stress to a subsample of fish used to assess osmoregulatory performance, but this information is relevant for linking seawater performance to physiology.
All experiments have been designed to minimize the number of experimental animals, while still providing useful scientific data.
We expect to use a total of 720 animals. This number is required to have relevant data on all the necessary endpoints.