SCRC: SCRC Honours Scholarship H4.3 The Effects Of Feeding Alternative Protein Sources On The Intestinal Mucus Layer And Mucosal Architecture In Yellowtail Kingfish (Rebecca Forder; Student Matthew Bransemer.)
Seafood CRC: Yellowtail Kingfish Health Workshop And Feed Analysis
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$49,504.75
Summary
The long term viability of Yellowtail Kingfish production is in question given the significant and unprecedented health issues Cleanseas has experienced in recent times. This is demonstrated by the fact that the cumulative mortality is presently 39.2% in the 2011 year class and 37.71% in the younger 2012 year class. Though the primary cause for poor fish performance remains unclear, disease investigations conducted but Future Fisheries Veterinary Services have provided insight in to the diseas ....The long term viability of Yellowtail Kingfish production is in question given the significant and unprecedented health issues Cleanseas has experienced in recent times. This is demonstrated by the fact that the cumulative mortality is presently 39.2% in the 2011 year class and 37.71% in the younger 2012 year class. Though the primary cause for poor fish performance remains unclear, disease investigations conducted but Future Fisheries Veterinary Services have provided insight in to the disease picture. It is known that the disease picture is different between the year classes and investigations have found a mixture of disease agents, a high occurrence of intestinal disease and abnormalities, lesions and inflammation of major organs. Given the complex and potentially multifactorial nature of the disease picture CST seeks the advice from experts in the field of fish nutrition, pathology, aquatic health, enteritis, virology, and protozoan parasitology. To this end, CST wishes to hold a workshop to review the information gathered thus far in order to develop remedial strategies for immediate implementation. The workshop will also formulate a disease investigation plan to elucidate the cause of its disease issues. In addition to the workshop, CST wishes to conduct nutritional analysis of its diets as dietary factors maybe a significant contributor to the disease profile being observed. Objectives: 1. To conduct detailed nutritional analysis and review commercial diets to determine whether dietary formulations are sufficient for optimal fish performance 2. health with an emphasis on nutrition and enteritis. 3. Development of a comprehensive disease investigation plan which will provide the basis of all future CRC projects concerned with YTK production 4. Identify remedial strategies which can be immediately implemented to reduce mortality and improve growth in the existing stock Read moreRead less
SCRC: PhD: Atlantic Salmon Gastrointestinal Health And Productivity
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
This project proposal has been initiated in order to determine the nature of Atlantic salmon GI tract communities, in healthy and SGS afflicted fish in relation to environment factors and diet. Changes in sea surface temperatures coupled with the use of feeds designed to reduce the reliance on fish meal, have coincided with the occurrence of Summer Gut Syndrome (SGS) a condition that significantly impacts the salmon industry through reduced productivity. The lack of a specific pathogen and worku ....This project proposal has been initiated in order to determine the nature of Atlantic salmon GI tract communities, in healthy and SGS afflicted fish in relation to environment factors and diet. Changes in sea surface temperatures coupled with the use of feeds designed to reduce the reliance on fish meal, have coincided with the occurrence of Summer Gut Syndrome (SGS) a condition that significantly impacts the salmon industry through reduced productivity. The lack of a specific pathogen and workup to this date indicate the problem may relate to an interaction between environmental conditions leading to physiological stress in the fish that in turn perturb or modify gastrointestinal tract microbial communities leading to general inappetence and thus slow or negative weight gains in summer.
The research will provide the Salmon aquaculture industry with vital information that could lead to supplemented diets designed to reduce the impact of SGS on productivity, whilst increasing the sustainability of the industry by reducing the reliance on antibiotics and fish meal. The project will provide new information on the GI tract health of Atlantic salmon in relation to environmental conditions and possible changes in these conditions. The studies could be applicable to other finfish species that may have management issues arising from changing environmental conditions such as increasing surface water temperature.Read moreRead less
Aquaculture Nutrition Subprogram: Strategic Planning, Project Management And Adoption
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$212,860.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To identify R & D priorities for reducing the real cost of aquaculture diets and feeding and increasing the use of Australian agricultural ingredients in aquaculture diets. 2. Establish what the fundamental non species specific nutritional constraints are to aquaculture production (eg diet form, nutritional requirements, feeding strategies, feed evolution or a combination of several factors) and then establish and manage a collaborative core research program to addre ....Objectives: 1. To identify R & D priorities for reducing the real cost of aquaculture diets and feeding and increasing the use of Australian agricultural ingredients in aquaculture diets. 2. Establish what the fundamental non species specific nutritional constraints are to aquaculture production (eg diet form, nutritional requirements, feeding strategies, feed evolution or a combination of several factors) and then establish and manage a collaborative core research program to address this. 3. Develop a risk management strategy for all aquaculture industries in relation to nutrition to assist the research priority setting process. 4. Forge an agreement between the FRDC an other relevant RDC's and research providers for the management of research relating to aquaculture nutrition under the auspices of an aquaculture nutrition subprogram accounting for variations in priorities between agencies. 5. Define and facilitate a mechanism for lead agencies for the commercialisation of all relevant nutrition research arising from FRDC funded projects. 6. Provide a single point of contact for aquaculture nutrition research in Australia and improve the aquaculture nutrition skills base in Australia. 7. Facilitate the functions of an aquaculture nutrition "Expert Working Group" to ensure ongoing research programs have a high degree of industry relevance and focus. 8. Improve communication of nutrition research outcomes and current nutrition research between scientists, aquaculturists, ingredient suppliers and feed manufacturers. Read moreRead less
People Development Program: Aquatic Animal Health Training Scheme - Visiting Expert Dr Teruo Miyazaki
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
Viral diseases are among the most important of all health issues in aquaculture and fisheries. Their rapid and accurate recognition is central to the prevention of spread and the control of emerging diseases. Morphological diagnosis based on gross pathology, histopathology and electron microscopy remain vital in the diagnostic process, and are essential to complement accurate molecular aetiolgical diagnosis. Practitioners of morphological diagnosis are becoming scarce, and this application enabl ....Viral diseases are among the most important of all health issues in aquaculture and fisheries. Their rapid and accurate recognition is central to the prevention of spread and the control of emerging diseases. Morphological diagnosis based on gross pathology, histopathology and electron microscopy remain vital in the diagnostic process, and are essential to complement accurate molecular aetiolgical diagnosis. Practitioners of morphological diagnosis are becoming scarce, and this application enables knowledge transfer from one of the world's foremost experts, Dr Teruo Miyazaki from Japan. This knowledge transfer requires a hand-on approach in a small group setting, using a multiheaded microscope with plenty of opportunity for discussion. for this reason a face-to-face visit is essential. Improving aquatic animal health diagnostic capacity is a priority for FRDC specifically to prevent and manage disease incursions, and to develop diagnostic procedures and techniques to rapidly detect and identify pathogens. This is also a priority for state jurisdictions.
In addition to viral diseases, Dr Miyazaki has career long expertise in general fish pathology, so his visit presents diverse opportunities for continuing education of Australian aquatic animal health diagnosticians. Objectives: 1. 1. Facilitate the visit to Australia of Dr Teruo Miyazaki for knowledge transfer to aquatic animal disease diagnosticians and industry Read moreRead less
Seafood CRC: Co-ordination Of Fish Health And Nutrition Research For The WA Yellowtail Kingfish Trial 2
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$160,000.00
Summary
Due to the long interval between the application for and granting of the Royalty for Regions (RfR) funding for the second yellowtail kingfish growout trial off the coast of Geraldton, the project proponents gave considerable thought to how best design and capture the outcomes for the benefit of WA and the other kingfish states of SA and potentially NSW. The concept of a research coordinator was attractive, especially when looking back at the tuna research history in SA.
This application ....Due to the long interval between the application for and granting of the Royalty for Regions (RfR) funding for the second yellowtail kingfish growout trial off the coast of Geraldton, the project proponents gave considerable thought to how best design and capture the outcomes for the benefit of WA and the other kingfish states of SA and potentially NSW. The concept of a research coordinator was attractive, especially when looking back at the tuna research history in SA.
This application is for the funding of a Research Coordinator to design, implement, manage and report on a comprehensive suite of research projects that will be undertaken in the funded RfR trial. Future industry development will rely on a well-coordinated research plan and well-documented results from the proposed pilot scale project.
This application does not propose specific research projects. It is a capacity building project to improve the co-ordination of research activities in this collaborative project to ensure the most effective use of previous research results, of the resources available and of current research providers.
The research involved will be complex and current providers are disparate. The proposed role will facilitate coordinated research directly relevant to industry needs. This project supports the CRC Program of Commercialisation and Utilisation as well as the WA Fishing Industry Council's RD&E Strategy to increase aquaculture production. Objectives: 1. Selection and appointment of a research coordinator for the project. 2. Review of relevant and available YTK research. 3. Development of a coordinated research plan - in conjunction with the RfR Steering Committee and in communication with others engaged nationally in YTK R&D. 4. Implement the research plan, manage the research program and document the progress. Read moreRead less
Development Of An In Vitro Assay For The Assessment Of Alternative Protein Sources For Use In Artificial Diets For Farmed Southern Bluefin Tuna
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$209,028.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To enhance the development of artificial diets for caged SBFT by using in vitro analysis of feed ingredients to determine protein, amino acid and energy digestibility. This will allow formulation of artificial diets of maximum nutritive value using the most cost-effective ingredients. It will also allow accurate matching of the diet specifications to the nutrient requirements of the SBFT. To accomplish the development of an in vitro assay, this project has the following spe ....Objectives: 1. To enhance the development of artificial diets for caged SBFT by using in vitro analysis of feed ingredients to determine protein, amino acid and energy digestibility. This will allow formulation of artificial diets of maximum nutritive value using the most cost-effective ingredients. It will also allow accurate matching of the diet specifications to the nutrient requirements of the SBFT. To accomplish the development of an in vitro assay, this project has the following specific objectives. 2. To determine the ultrastructure of the SBFT small intestine to a) identify the presence of macromolecule transport apparatus and b) to establish the existence of bacteria associated with the intestinal epithelium. 3. To evaluate the enzyme profile of the small intestine and the epithelial associated bacteria and identify bacteria associated with biofilms. 4. To estimate the intestinal capacity to transport the major group of amino acids and peptides. Read moreRead less
Aquafin CRC - SBT Aquaculture Subprogram: Service Delivery And Infrastructure Management For Projects Requiring Port Lincoln Based R&D Support
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,432,087.88
Summary
NEED This project is essential for cost effective and cohesive R&D aimed at meeting the priority needs of the highly successful SBT aquaculture industry. While the industry has developed rapidly since its initiation in 1990, R&D is a pivotal requirement to underpin its development and assure the long-term sustainability of the industry. This project is focused on maintaining an offshore SBT R&D capability. It involves providing services to support: 1) research activities undertake ....NEED This project is essential for cost effective and cohesive R&D aimed at meeting the priority needs of the highly successful SBT aquaculture industry. While the industry has developed rapidly since its initiation in 1990, R&D is a pivotal requirement to underpin its development and assure the long-term sustainability of the industry. This project is focused on maintaining an offshore SBT R&D capability. It involves providing services to support: 1) research activities undertaken on and around offshore commercial tuna farms; 2) managing and coordinating the infrastructure for small scale, experimental, high risk and/or novel research and development activities utilising live SBT; and 3) the SARDI managed onshore facilities at the Lincoln Marine Sciences Centre (LMSC) at Port Lincoln.
These services have been and continue to be required by a range of projects managed by the SBT Aquaculture Subprogram (the specific scientific methods associated with each research project are developed more fully within the relevant project).
This project will: 1) ensure high quality research services are provided in Port Lincoln to tuna researchers in a coordinated way. These services are provided for experiments on commercial tuna farms, the waters adjacent to commercial tuna farms, in the controlled environment of the Tuna Research Farm, and using the shore based facilities at the LMSC. 2) ensure that the use of the available resources is optimised and that a minimum level of duplication occurs; 3) enable the costs associated with these activities to be clearly distinguished; 4) play a key role in communication between researchers and tuna farmers, as the project staff are based in Port Lincoln, the centre of commercial activities.
This project will support scientists involved in both larger scale pilot commercial trials which are more effectively undertaken by commercial farmers with their larger pontoons, commercial stocking densities and more wave-exposed sites, as well as small scale intensive experiments which require greater scientific control and reduced risk provided by the Tuna Research Farm. This strategy has the advantage of conducting research in the most appropriate circumstances to achieve the desired outcome. The greater industry involvement in this project, through the involvement of an experienced industry R&D manager and farm operator, also has the advantage of improving the transfer of research outcomes to industry, involving industry to a greater extent in the evaluation of outcomes, enhancing industry development of innovative technologies and practices to address commercial issues, and disseminating information more representative of their commercial operations. All these aspects are important in facilitating the take up and commercialisation of the research outcomes.
Greater industry involvement in the running of the Tuna Research Farm was recommended in the recent review of the Tuna Research Farm. The Subprogram Steering Committee endorsed the participation of Mr David Ellis to provide SBT farm management and husbandry advice with his many years of commercial tuna farming experience. He will ensure industry best-practice SBT husbandry techniques are used on the Tuna Research Farm.
This project provides key technical and scientific support in Port Lincoln for all tuna research. Many of the services provided in the future will be outside the Tuna Research Farm framework. Other services provided to the SBT industry and associated research projects in previous years (ie. 2001-02) include:
1)Live tuna samples and laboratory space for sample dissection at the Lincoln Marine Science Centre have been provided to the cell–line project (2001-200).
2)Extensive assistance has been provided to a SARDI-TBOASA residue-testing R&D program with introduction to key industry members, collection and storage of samples and technical advise.
3)Advice on sediment trap design and technical and vessel support associated with the deployment and retrieval for the collection of sediment for the environmental program
4)A rapid baitfish analysis service for industry using NIR analysis and currently used by several tuna companies. This allows companies to measure the fat and protein content and get results within 48hrs of submitting samples in Port Lincoln.
e)Scientific input and an auditing role for the Stehr-Skretting pellet trial.
f)Field support and scientific advice to the Euan Harvy Stereo Camera Project (AFMA)
Objectives: 1. Provide and maintain a managed (staff and budgets) scientific and technical service as required by other project PIs undertaking Tuna R&D activities in Port Lincoln. These services are provided for experiments conducted in a range of situations: on commercial tuna farms, in the waters adjacent to commercial tuna farms, in the controlled environment of the Tuna Research Farm and in the shore based facilities at the LMSC. 2. Ensure, to the level of resources available, that the research facility and procedures are world best practice. 3. Coordinate and therefore optimise the use of the limited resources available for research and development requiring live SBT in a managed research environment, through the development of an agreed project Annual Operating Plan. 4. Complete, in consultation with other project PIs, the planned research and development activitiesdesignated in the project Annual Operating Plan, providing the agreed outputs (generally data) in an orderly and timely manner. 5. Support improved communication between project PIs and industry partners. Read moreRead less
Abalone Aquaculture Subprogram: Preventing Summer Mortality Of Abalone In Aquaculture Systems By Understanding Interactions Between Nutrition And Water Temperature
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$104,340.00
Summary
Production times of about 3 years for farmed abalone increases the risk associated with losses from disease or infrastructure failure. For this reason alone, there is an urgent need to address any factor that compromises health or production efficiency in abalone aquaculture systems. In this instance, other reasons necessitating completion of the proposed project include:
1. As the abalone aquaculture sector has grown, it has become apparent that high mortalities can occur during the ....Production times of about 3 years for farmed abalone increases the risk associated with losses from disease or infrastructure failure. For this reason alone, there is an urgent need to address any factor that compromises health or production efficiency in abalone aquaculture systems. In this instance, other reasons necessitating completion of the proposed project include:
1. As the abalone aquaculture sector has grown, it has become apparent that high mortalities can occur during the summer months as water temperatures increase. For example, in 2000 one farm in Port Lincoln reported stock losses of up to 50 % (SA Industry, pers. comm.). The deaths are not isolated to one state or one species. Similar losses over summer have also been reported for farms culturing blacklip abalone in Tasmania (Mike Wing, Tas. Tiger Abalone, pers. comm.) and in Victoria (Mark Gervis, Southern Ocean Mariculture, pers. comm.). In Tasmania abalone mortalities are associated with rapid epithelial loss and the appearance of pustule like blisters on the footsole filled with a clear liquid. All mortalities are associated with elevated levels of Vibrio harvyi and cannabalism usually occurs once a mortality appears. As manipulation of water temperatures is not a commercially viable option in these production systems, other means must be devised to prevent losses of this magnitude. At present, farmers are addressing summer mortalities by reducing feeding rates to ensure maximum water quality. While this reduces mortalities, production levels suffer, hence other options are desirable.
2. The exact relationship between abalone mortality and decreased production levels, elevated water temperatures(stress)and nutrition is poorly understood. An understanding of these relationships will facilitate intervention to optimize health and production. Objectives: 1. Induce abalone mortality and/or bloat under experimental conditions to ensure a “control” exists for subsequent experiments. 2. Examine the interaction between high levels of fermentable carbohydrate and temperature on abalone growth rates, mortality and haemocyte counts. 3. Define nutritional treatments that may alleviate the effects of increased water temperature on abalone mortality including extrusion of dietary ingredients and immune enhancing diet additives such as antioxidants and mannan oligosaccharides. 4. Apply the results of experiments 2 and 3 to black lip abalone. Read moreRead less
Nutritional ecology of free ranging herbivores. Australian grasslands underpin most of our livestock industries and provide important habitats for many native plants and animals. In order to manage these areas sustainably, farmers and other land managers need to know how much food animals consume and how the nutritional quality of that food varies. However there is no simple way of doing this and this prevents timely manipulation of stock numbers and limits our ability to predict fluctuations i ....Nutritional ecology of free ranging herbivores. Australian grasslands underpin most of our livestock industries and provide important habitats for many native plants and animals. In order to manage these areas sustainably, farmers and other land managers need to know how much food animals consume and how the nutritional quality of that food varies. However there is no simple way of doing this and this prevents timely manipulation of stock numbers and limits our ability to predict fluctuations in numbers of native herbivores such as kangaroos. The project will provide a cheap and quick means for ecologists and land managers to incorporate nutritional analyses into their work
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