Development of novel aquafeed made by two microbial oil sources as a sustainable high DHA and EPA contributors to improve stress resistance in freshwater aquaculture

Aquafeed is supplemented with essential fatty acids derived from fish products (fishmeal and fish oil). However, fish oil production is dropping due to rapidly depleting wild resources. Therefore, the aquafeed industry must move to other sources of essential fatty acids, such as oils from terrestrial origins [3]. When more than 80% of fish oil in aquafeed is substituted with terrestrial-derived oils, fish growth parameters are affected [4,5]. Supplementing aquafeed with 0.4% DHA and EPA from two different microbial oil sources offers a promising sustainable solution to replace fish oil in aquafeed and increase the immune status of fish. This novel aquafeed supplement will enable farmed fish to withstand environmental stressors common to farming conditions, leading to improved survival rates. Sustainable aquafeed production is essential to meet the growing needs of the aquaculture industry. To explore production possibilities, we will test for uniformity, feed stability, shelf life, water stability, and acceptability of the novel aquafeed formulation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Robert Bertolo

Student:

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Aquaculture and Fishing; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: