Farmed Animals WeLfare TooLbox (FarmWELL)
Atlantic salmon will be produced from the egg stage (4200 eggs) to smolts in two production systems: flow-through (FT) and recirculation aquaculture system (RAS). After smoltification salmon (~80 g) from both systems (total 1800 individuals) will be transferred to FT with seawater to simulate transfer to sea. During the experiment we will do the following:
• We have developed methods to investigate the epigenome and transcriptome of Atlantic salmon that will be used to measure the effects of rearing environment (RAS vs. FT) during early life stages.
• We aim to test and document means and methods for increasing growth and welfare using probiotic bacteria in two ways: by administering the probiotic bacteria with feed to the intestine (Probiotic treatment 1) and by administering the probiotic bacteria by bathing or immersion techniques to gill, skin and intestine (Probiotic treatment 2). Host-bacterial and bacterial-bacterial interactions from and within the salmon microbiome is anticipated to influence both growth and health of the organism and tissue functionality.
• To evaluate the heart health and fitness of the test fish, individuals with and without probiotic treatment will be tagged with heart rate monitoring probes and tested in a swimming test.
In order to reduce number of animals used we have merged several questions and hypothesis into one experiment.
The number of fish in this experiment is calculated based on industry relevant densities, and will give us reliable scientific results that can later be applied in the industry. The experiment uses only small tank units (0.5 m3). This will reduce the number of fish needed for the experiment.
• We have developed methods to investigate the epigenome and transcriptome of Atlantic salmon that will be used to measure the effects of rearing environment (RAS vs. FT) during early life stages.
• We aim to test and document means and methods for increasing growth and welfare using probiotic bacteria in two ways: by administering the probiotic bacteria with feed to the intestine (Probiotic treatment 1) and by administering the probiotic bacteria by bathing or immersion techniques to gill, skin and intestine (Probiotic treatment 2). Host-bacterial and bacterial-bacterial interactions from and within the salmon microbiome is anticipated to influence both growth and health of the organism and tissue functionality.
• To evaluate the heart health and fitness of the test fish, individuals with and without probiotic treatment will be tagged with heart rate monitoring probes and tested in a swimming test.
In order to reduce number of animals used we have merged several questions and hypothesis into one experiment.
The number of fish in this experiment is calculated based on industry relevant densities, and will give us reliable scientific results that can later be applied in the industry. The experiment uses only small tank units (0.5 m3). This will reduce the number of fish needed for the experiment.