MikroRAS - Effects of suspended solids load on microbiome and fish health in RAS
1 Purpose
This study is to examine the effects of low and operational suspended solids loads in RAS on the microbiome of fish, tank environment, biofilter and how that relates to fish performance and health in freshwater (parr), smioltification and post smolt (brackish water and marine) periods of the life cycle.
2 Distress
Fish will be PIT tagged prior to use in the study to individually identify them and the groups they belong to. Any handling and sampling is preceeded by sedation with Finquel. Fish to be sampled will be lethally sedated. A stress test is planned prior to seawater transfer where fsih are crowded and the stress response measured. This is a standardised test and fish although stressed, recover within 24h.
3 Expected benefit
This study will give new insight into the effects of suspended solids load in RAS systems on the robust status of salmon production and relate the effects of suspended solids loads on gill and skin health.
4 Number of animals, and what kind
In total 1200 Atlantic salmon will be used in this study originating from ILAB research fish production department.
5 How to adhere to 3R
There are no alternative models other than using live fish for this project. The study is carefully designed to minimise the number of animal required to give statistically sound results and provide representative outcomes and recommendations that can be adopted by the industry. All fish are sedated during handling procedures and by PIT tagging fish, growth data will be based on induividual fish, therefore more precise and robust.
This study is to examine the effects of low and operational suspended solids loads in RAS on the microbiome of fish, tank environment, biofilter and how that relates to fish performance and health in freshwater (parr), smioltification and post smolt (brackish water and marine) periods of the life cycle.
2 Distress
Fish will be PIT tagged prior to use in the study to individually identify them and the groups they belong to. Any handling and sampling is preceeded by sedation with Finquel. Fish to be sampled will be lethally sedated. A stress test is planned prior to seawater transfer where fsih are crowded and the stress response measured. This is a standardised test and fish although stressed, recover within 24h.
3 Expected benefit
This study will give new insight into the effects of suspended solids load in RAS systems on the robust status of salmon production and relate the effects of suspended solids loads on gill and skin health.
4 Number of animals, and what kind
In total 1200 Atlantic salmon will be used in this study originating from ILAB research fish production department.
5 How to adhere to 3R
There are no alternative models other than using live fish for this project. The study is carefully designed to minimise the number of animal required to give statistically sound results and provide representative outcomes and recommendations that can be adopted by the industry. All fish are sedated during handling procedures and by PIT tagging fish, growth data will be based on induividual fish, therefore more precise and robust.