Experts discuss fish gut health at WNF

In his presentation, Einar will give some insights in the current knowledge
relevant to gut health in aquatic species. This will include lipids and cell
damage, antinutrients, pro – and pre-biotics and immunostimulants. It is also
well documented that the GI tract microbiota play important roles in affecting
the health of the host organism. Even though numerous studies have been carried
out on fish, results are generally inconclusive. “However, results demonstrating
that altered intestinal microbiota may enhance growth, digestion, immunity, and
disease resistance are encouraging” according to Einar.

Plant based
raw materials
Einar also mentions that further growth in the aquaculture
industry will thus depend on new sustainable feed resources. Using plant-based
raw materials may have both advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, unbalanced
plant based diets and noxious compounds like antinutrients may impair fish
immunity, and in particular damage the gastrointestinal tract that is a port of
entry for many pathogenic agents. Secondly, using the correct mixture of plant
based additives, there is not only the option of limiting harm, but there is
also an interesting possibility to enhance GI immunity thus enhancing disease
resistance.

More research
Current knowledge is, however,
relatively limited in this regard. Based on the likelihood that future
carnivorous aquaculture will have to rely on plant-based raw materials, it is
therefore strongly recommended that these topics should be given high priority
in the years to come. “In particular, it should be emphasised that prophylactic
treatment, strengthening natural resistance will be important for future coping
as an addition to the development of vaccines” Einar addresses. To fill the gaps
in knowledge and experience of pre- and probiotics, future research needs to be
performed in order to provide the aquaculture industry; the scientific
community, the regulatory bodies and the general public with the necessary
information and tools.

Related websites:

Norwegian College of Fishery Science, Tromsø   
World Nutrition
Forum  

Related folder:
Dossier AllAbout Aquafeed