The health of farmed salmon in Canada can be threatened by infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. The quality of feed can affect salmon health and impact their ability to withstand infection, but currently there is no way to measure how effective it is apart from growth rates – if fish grow bigger, faster, then presumably the feed is effective.
The research will strengthen salmon aquaculture in Canada, in particular by reducing disease among farmed salmon. In addition, some project results will be shared as intellectual property, supporting growth in the sector. Finally, a focus on the use of Canadian raw materials in developing the feeds will also strengthen the feed supply industry.
The health of farmed salmon in Canada can be threatened by infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. The quality of feed can affect salmon health and impact their ability to withstand infection, but currently there is no way to measure how effective it is apart from growth rates – if fish grow bigger, faster, then presumably the feed is effective.
This project seeks to develop tools to better assess salmon health by examining their genes. Scientists at Memorial University and EWOS Innovation will jointly develop a platform to quantify the expression of multiple genes related to health and performance, using a single biological sample.The team will use genomics technologies to assess the effects of various diets on fish health at the molecular level.
Genome Atlantic gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Government of Canada through Genome Canada, as well as the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the provincial governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
Genome Atlantic is one of 7 Genome Centres in Canada that are part of the Genome Canada Enterprise. This network encourages collaboration, with each centre focusing on the needs of their respective regions.
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WE FOCUS ON CLIENT LED SOLUTIONS.
BRING US AND IDEA AND WE’LL HELP YOU GET IT INTO ACTION.
WE FOCUS ON CLIENT LED SOLUTIONS.
BRING US AND IDEA AND WE’LL HELP YOU GET IT INTO ACTION.
