Camelina Omega-3 Oil for Optimal Heart and Gill Health
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Stirling
Department Name: Institute of Aquaculture
Abstract
Dietary omega-3 fatty acids, vital for immune system function, heart health, and brain development, are essential as the human body cannot produce them. Fish and seafood, comprising over half of our consumed fish and now mostly farmed, are unique omega-3 sources. Historically, high omega-3 levels in farmed fish relied on marine ingredients—fishmeal and fish oil—derived paradoxically from fisheries nearing sustainability limits, rendering them finite. The expansion of fish farming, facilitated by diluting traditional marine ingredients with cost-effective alternatives like plant meals and vegetable oils lacking omega-3, resulted in a 50% reduction in omega-3 levels in farmed Atlantic salmon.
Omega-3 is equally crucial for fish and human health. The shift to low marine feeds in fish farming correlates with increased inflammatory diseases in farmed fish, impacting both their health and welfare. Reduced omega-3 levels affect the immune response to various pathogens in farmed fish, including parasites, bacteria, and viruses. This dual impact prompted the fish farming community, especially in salmon production, to address the disparity between omega-3 supply and demand.
Consequently, new omega-3-rich oils from marine microalgae and genetically-modified (GM) oilseed crops have emerged as alternative feed ingredients for farmed fish. While studies confirm their efficacy in elevating omega-3 content, their impact on fish health and potential environmental consequences have been overlooked. This project will specifically explore the health impacts of a GM-crop oil as a feed ingredient for farmed Atlantic salmon. The research will assess its influence on salmon response to specific diseases, elucidate biochemical and molecular mechanisms affecting fish health and membrane resilience, evaluate environmental impacts, and quantify the potential of these new dietary oils for UK salmon farming.
The proposal, timely and highly relevant, addresses current needs through cutting-edge research to enhance the quality and efficiency of modern alternative feeds in fish farming. It aims to improve production and feed efficiency while sustaining fish health and enhancing the nutritional quality of farmed fish, contributing to greater sustainability and food security.
Omega-3 is equally crucial for fish and human health. The shift to low marine feeds in fish farming correlates with increased inflammatory diseases in farmed fish, impacting both their health and welfare. Reduced omega-3 levels affect the immune response to various pathogens in farmed fish, including parasites, bacteria, and viruses. This dual impact prompted the fish farming community, especially in salmon production, to address the disparity between omega-3 supply and demand.
Consequently, new omega-3-rich oils from marine microalgae and genetically-modified (GM) oilseed crops have emerged as alternative feed ingredients for farmed fish. While studies confirm their efficacy in elevating omega-3 content, their impact on fish health and potential environmental consequences have been overlooked. This project will specifically explore the health impacts of a GM-crop oil as a feed ingredient for farmed Atlantic salmon. The research will assess its influence on salmon response to specific diseases, elucidate biochemical and molecular mechanisms affecting fish health and membrane resilience, evaluate environmental impacts, and quantify the potential of these new dietary oils for UK salmon farming.
The proposal, timely and highly relevant, addresses current needs through cutting-edge research to enhance the quality and efficiency of modern alternative feeds in fish farming. It aims to improve production and feed efficiency while sustaining fish health and enhancing the nutritional quality of farmed fish, contributing to greater sustainability and food security.
