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CROESO - Welcome to the latest edition of International Aquafeed
by Professor Simon Davies
Editor of International Aquafeed
by Professor Simon Davies
Editor of International Aquafeed
Its glorious summer sunshine in Plymouth and the exam season is over for our undergraduate students with the campus much more relaxed in tone with students enjoying outdoor food markets, the nearby beaches and the famous Dartmoor Moor.
| Professor Simon Davies of Plymouth University and editor of International Aquafeed |
One of the major issues in aquaculture research is the question of ethics and the legislation governing animal (including fish) work in research. I am a firm believer in best practice and the application of good pragmatic governance towards compliance for high standards of care and welfare in fish experiments in laboratories and aquaculture installations in practice.
However, wherever I travel and in particular specific areas of Europe, especially the UK this now seems to have become stifling with over- bureaucracy, conflicting opinions and interpretation of rules (EU directives often down-played in most of Europe) and a general lack of understanding of officials (mainly non-practicing veterinarians) with little training or appreciation of the aquaculture industry, fish biology and standard good husbandry. Indeed, this is now becoming a serious concern undermining and constraining our ability to conduct excellent applied research in the UK and leading to more aquaculture research being conducted overseas.
I will come back to this issue in a forthcoming feature.
In the last two months I had the pleasure to conduct a public doctoral examination in Bergen, Norway for a candidate working on cataracts in salmon that had produced already three scientific papers. Lenticular cataracts in salmon may be attributed mainly to dietary histidine deficiency, although other environmental factors are involved.
I was also an invited speaker for the 2014 annual meeting of the British Society of Animal Science, held in Nottingham University in late April. This society addresses all areas of animal production systems, ruminant and monogastric, but fish is quite unusual although I had great comfort in reminding the audience that fish production had now eclipsed beef production globally. My talk was on the development of novel feed ingredients and additives for aquaculture. I think fish have now come of age in the animal production world of scientists.
In the current issue we have the following main articles and features;
Firstly, we focus on providing good sources of trace elements and minerals for healthy fish and crustacean production.
Prospects on Dietary Trace Minerals: Aquafeeds & Aquaculture by Sungchul Charles Bai covers the major biological and management question of providing effective bioavailable trace elements for fish serving an excellent mini-review.
We include: The Nutritional & Immune Impact of AZOMITE® in Tilapia and Shrimp by Damon Fodge & Doug Fodge, DF Intl., LLC Dirk Lorenz-Meyer, Behn Meyer EU, Gmb William T.H.C. Chang, Lytone Enterprise, Inc.
Topically we have an article from France on sea weed teechnology for animal nutrition with potential for aquafeeds as well as a special report on automation and control of live food production so vital to modern hatcheries.
A interesting report examines stable enzyme (protease) additives for salmonid feeds from a Chilean and canadian perspective by M A Kabir Chowdhury, PhD, Jefo Nutrition Inc., Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada Dr. Pedro Cardenas Villarroal, Alinat Chile, Chile.
Ever mindful of the increasing risks of fish disease and health, we include an article on rainbow trout fry syndrome that examines the historical background of this significant disease problem. The report details treatments such as traditional chemo-therapeutic and potential vaccine development but highlights the use of the product Orego-Stim® . This is a natural feed additive based on oregano, developed by Meriden Animal Health. The oregano essential oil acts as an immunity enhancer and growth promoter, with further benefits including antibacterial and antimicrobial properties as a prophylactic natural agent.
Our current issue has all, the main news reports, contemporary topics and interviews with leading experts in the field. Please enjoy and keep up with our contributions.
Have a most wonderful summer and a good fish and shrimp harvest wherever you are!!! Not forgetting the wine.
The Aquaculturists
This blog is maintained by The Aquaculturists staff and is supported by the magazine International Aquafeed which is published by Perendale Publishers Ltd.