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Commercial Success of ECLAIR Programme
AGRE-0020: Improvement of yield and feed conversion in salmonids |
AGRE-0020: Improvement of yield and feed conversion in salmonids
Science Background
The availability of wild fish caught from their natural habitat is decreasing, with imposition of quotas and other restrictions, while production through aquaculture (fish farming) is increasing. However, this will not meet future demands unless production is increased. Limiting factors include the length of the production cycle and the cost of feed. Accelerated growth rates and improved feed conversion efficiency could help overcome such problems. Most fish farmers in Europe produce salmon or trout (salmonids). Hence, developments prior to this ECLAIR project focused on methods of improving production of these fish, resulting in various treatments such as photoperiodic control of egg laying, the production of single sex (female) populations and use of hormones. Amongst the hormones available was the protein growth hormone, also known as somatotropin (rtGH). This can be produced using recombinant technology and fed to fish increasing growth rate and feed use efficiency.
Objectives
The main objective was to develop methods for the oral administration of an encapsulated protein, in order to improve the yield, production costs and quality of the fish produced in aquaculture, and establish the methods of applying this in fish farms. This was to be followed by studies on various species of fish (salmonids, sea bass and sea bream) and then by farm scale trials in several Member States. The project also aimed to characterize the protein, determine its mode of action and biological activity, as well as looking at doses, compositions and means of administration, in order to protect the protein in the stomach and ensure its delivery to the intestine without hydrolysis.
Significant changes and results since end of ECLAIR
Although many of the technical objectives were met, some problems were experienced in the delivery system. However, at around the same time discussions were taking place concerning the use (prohibition) of a related bovine protein (BST) in increasing milk production per cow, while adverse effects were reported in genetically modified salmon. Subsequently adverse public views concerning genetically modified foods have also increased in some Member States. As a result the market was not suited to the innovation. Hence, work on this aspect was stopped. An alternative effect, in osmoregulation was reported, and received further funding (see below), while methods for micro-encapsulation were investigated further for medical applications.
Results
At end of this ECLAIR project
This project was coordinated by Eurogentec SA (Belgium), which cloned recombinant trout somatotropin and optimised scaled-up production using Escherichia coli as the expression system. This was characterized and supplied to the partners, who established in vitro binding in trout and salmon, as well as in vivo effects in these fish. However, it was shown not to effect the other fish investigated (sea bass, sea bream). Encapsulation methods were established to enable the protein to pass through the stomach to be released in the gut, and the effects of varying composition, size and method of administration studied. Trials indicated problems with protein denaturation, particle distribution and release of protein.
Current position
The work reached a situation where the protein could be administered young freshwater salmon (smolts) in a single injection. However, delays in the approval of the Minimum Residue Limit by the European authorities prevented Eurogentec from reaching the market in time with its product Smoltine and they were obliged to retire from the fish health sector. The approval was finally granted several months after Eurogentec had discontinued its work on fish.
Impact
No commercial impact or associated activities identified.
Contacts
Eurogentec SA
Author
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Updated
by CPL Press:
03/07/2007
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