Acronym Blooms2Feeds+2
Category
Aquaculture
Title Macroalgae: the next generation functional and sustainable aquafeed ingredients through microbial fermentation Programme National Programme
Instrument (FP6)
Contact Type (FP7)
Strand (Interreg)
NA
Theme (FP7)
Activity Area (FP6)
Regional Area (Interreg)
Action (COST)
NA
Specific Programme (FP7)
NA
Funding source National Coordinator NA Coordinator email NA
Coordinator institution
NUI - National University of Ireland (Ireland)
Institutions involved
NA
Start year 2019 End year 2020 Funding (€) € NA Website NA Summary The Irish coast possesses a species-rich and extensive seaweed resource that could be integrated into the farmed fish food chain. Unfortunately, relatively high carbohydrate content in seaweed can lead to low nutrient digestibility. Our plan involves the preservation of nuisance Ulva seaweed (green tides) to stabilise/enhance their structural attributes and improve their nutritional and functionality for fish. In-house lab studies have shown fermenting microbes (e.g. Lactobacillus) can utilise seaweed carbohydrates. Microbial breakdown of seaweed fibres leads to functional compounds that can promote fish health (immunostimulant), gut integrity and the fish microbiome (prebiotic and probiotic) in intensive farming. A core area is the formulation of diets with a functional seaweed product for salmonids, which are high-value species for target lucrative markets (Europe >8 billion, Global >14 billion USD, FAO 2016 statistics). Nutritionally complete balanced diets will include optimally processed seaweed. The validation of the diets will be assessed through a salmon feeding trial. The feeding study will focus on variables of commercial value, comparisons of growth, feed utilisation and an emphasis on fish gut health and integrity. The development of sustainable farmed fishfeed using this technology will lead to substantial returns for the Irish aquaculture industry.
Keywords
Bioactive compounds;
Animal welfare;
Aquaculture industry;
Fish;
Animal feed;
Bioprospecting;
Salmon;
Marine Region
76
Not associated to marine areas
0
Marine Region Map
