Pit-tagging of Atlantic salmon to validate a method for feed efficiency
1 Formål
Recently, there have been a special focus on improved breeding strategies to increase the feed efficiency and robustness of fish and farm animals. The aim of this experiment is a validation of stable isotope profiling for large-scale evaluation of feed efficiency in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). During this trial, we will feed a commercial diet and assess individual feed efficiency in Atlantic salmon, by using the natural abundances of the stable isotopes 15N and 13C. To be able to follow individual weight changes, it is necessary to insert a small pit-tag (microchip) in each fish at the start of the experiment.
2 Skadevirkninger
The fish will be sedated for a short while at the beginning of the experiment, while inserting the pit-tag, and the fish is expected to adapt readily to the experimental situation and start to eat again the same day. The tagging will be performed according to standard method by trained personnel.
3 Forventet nytteverdi
The results will be used to validate a method for large-scale evaluation of feed efficiency in fish that can be used as new selection criteria in aquaculture breeding programs. As the feed amount to ~50% of the production cost per kg produced fish in the grow-out phase, improvement in feed efficiency by 1% will increase the present annual value in Norway alone by EUR ~23 million and reduce the environmental footprint per unit produced. Thus, there is a need for a method that allows for a more efficient selection for feed efficiency in aquaculture breeding programs.
4 Antall dyr og art
A total of 100 pit-tagged Atlantic salmon (~1200 g start weight) will be divided into four tanks. During the experimental trial (60 days), several terminal samplings will be conducted to register individual growth and to sample different organs to measure individual feed efficiency. This procedure also helps reduce the number of fish used in the experiment.
5 Hvordan etterleve 3R
This study will follow the growth of individual fish, thus both tagging and handling of fish will involve some level of stress, but we aim to minimize the stress by using standard procedures and trained personnel. Dissection and sampling of organs will only be done after the fish have been euthanized, followed by a blow to the head. The data from this experiment will provide vital knowledge that can be used to select more efficiently for feed efficiency in aquaculture breeding programs. Furthermore, there are no available in vitro models that can mimic entire body systems, thus it is not possible to use in vitro methods.
Recently, there have been a special focus on improved breeding strategies to increase the feed efficiency and robustness of fish and farm animals. The aim of this experiment is a validation of stable isotope profiling for large-scale evaluation of feed efficiency in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). During this trial, we will feed a commercial diet and assess individual feed efficiency in Atlantic salmon, by using the natural abundances of the stable isotopes 15N and 13C. To be able to follow individual weight changes, it is necessary to insert a small pit-tag (microchip) in each fish at the start of the experiment.
2 Skadevirkninger
The fish will be sedated for a short while at the beginning of the experiment, while inserting the pit-tag, and the fish is expected to adapt readily to the experimental situation and start to eat again the same day. The tagging will be performed according to standard method by trained personnel.
3 Forventet nytteverdi
The results will be used to validate a method for large-scale evaluation of feed efficiency in fish that can be used as new selection criteria in aquaculture breeding programs. As the feed amount to ~50% of the production cost per kg produced fish in the grow-out phase, improvement in feed efficiency by 1% will increase the present annual value in Norway alone by EUR ~23 million and reduce the environmental footprint per unit produced. Thus, there is a need for a method that allows for a more efficient selection for feed efficiency in aquaculture breeding programs.
4 Antall dyr og art
A total of 100 pit-tagged Atlantic salmon (~1200 g start weight) will be divided into four tanks. During the experimental trial (60 days), several terminal samplings will be conducted to register individual growth and to sample different organs to measure individual feed efficiency. This procedure also helps reduce the number of fish used in the experiment.
5 Hvordan etterleve 3R
This study will follow the growth of individual fish, thus both tagging and handling of fish will involve some level of stress, but we aim to minimize the stress by using standard procedures and trained personnel. Dissection and sampling of organs will only be done after the fish have been euthanized, followed by a blow to the head. The data from this experiment will provide vital knowledge that can be used to select more efficiently for feed efficiency in aquaculture breeding programs. Furthermore, there are no available in vitro models that can mimic entire body systems, thus it is not possible to use in vitro methods.