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HAVBRUK2-Stort program for havbruksforskning

(DigiFishent): Digital phenotyping for more feed and resource efficient Atlantic salmon

Alternative title: (DigiFishent): Digital fenotyping for mer fôr- og ressurseffektiv atlantisk laks

Awarded: NOK 8.0 mill.

In Atlantic salmon, feed accounts for more than 50% of the production cost and more than 70% of the carbon footprint. Genetic Improvement of feed efficiency and resource efficiency is the ‘holy grail’ of aquaculture and livestock production alike. The shift to include more sustainable plant based ingredients in the diet of Atlantic salmon as reduced the level of long chain Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. Genetic improvement of feed efficiency and EPA and DHA content is possible, and is thus an attractive way to reduce feed cost and the carbon foot print, whilst ensuring a nutritious product and optimal uses of limited resources. A significant barrier has been acquiring phenotypes for feed intake, lipid content and EPA and DHA content in thousands of related Atlantic salmon needed for genetic improvement programs. In DigiFishent we will adapt and develop novel digital phenotyping methods for these phenotypes spanning the freshwater to harvest phase of Atlantic salmon and combine these with genomic selection tools. DigiFishent consists of pilot studies to optimize a new method of recording individual feed intake based on metal tracers in the feed. Two growth trials will be conducted on genetic cohorts of Atlantic salmon through the freshwater and saltwater growth phases during which feed intake, lipid content and growth will be recorded. At harvest phase the EPA and DHA content will also be recorded. The genetic potential of all these traits and their interrelatedness will be determined by combining the novel phenotypes with genomic information and cutting-edge genomic models.

Genetic Improvement of feed efficiency and resource efficiency is the ‘holy grail’ of aquaculture and livestock production. In Atlantic salmon, feed accounts for more than 50% of the production cost and more than 70% of the carbon footprint. Whilst, omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are limited and declining resources in the feed, which affects their content in the edible salmon fillet. There is evidence that genetic improvement of feed efficiency and EPA and DHA content is possible, and is thus an attractive way to reduce feed cost and the carbon foot print, whilst ensuring a nutritious product and optimal uses of limited resources. A significant barrier has been acquiring phenotypes for feed intake, lipid content and EPA and DHA content in thousands of related Atlantic salmon needed for genetic improvement. In DigiFishent we will adapt and develop novel digital phenotyping methods for these phenotypes spanning the freshwater to harvest phase of Atlantic salmon production and combine these with genomic selection tools to fill knowledge gaps on the genetics of improved feed and resource efficiency in Norwegian salmon. DigiFishent consists of pilot studies to optimize a new method of recording individual feed intake based on metal tracers in the feed. Two growth trials will be conducted on genetic cohorts of Atlantic salmon through the freshwater and saltwater growth phases during which feed intake, lipid content and growth will be recorded. At harvest phase the EPA and DHA content will also be recorded. The genetic potential of all these traits and their interrelatedness will be determined by combining the novel phenotypes with genomic information and cutting edge genomic models. Ultimately filling knowledge gaps and guiding the optimal inclusion of feed efficiency and reource efficiency into Norwegian salmon breeding programmes.

Funding scheme:

HAVBRUK2-Stort program for havbruksforskning