Lallemand Animal Nutrition and the University of Plymouth have marked 15 years of collaboration by unveiling a major new initiative that aims to enhance fish resilience and welfare.
The partnership between the global biotechnology company and one of the world’s leading marine research organisations has already invested over €1million in sustainable aquaculture research.
The new initiative – LALProMucoBath – was announced at AQUA 2024, Europe's largest aquaculture conference.
It will investigate the contribution of Lallemand’s microbial solutions to the health of Atlantic salmon, and whether the products can fortify and repopulate the epidermal and gill mucosal microbiomes after fish undergo ectoparasite treatments.
The potential to reduce opportunities for pathogen colonisation through reassembly of the microbiome after disruptive events such as bath treatments can improve fish robustness at a critical time where fish are most vulnerable.
The work will be led by
Dr Mark Rawling
and
Dr Daniel Merrifield
, from the University’s
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
.
The partners believe it could be a game-changer for fish farmers worldwide, not only improving animal welfare but also increasing global food security at a time when aquaculture is increasingly being seen as a key means of feeding the world’s growing population.
Previous research carried out through the partnership has led to innovations that have benefited major farmed species like Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout and tilapia.
Those findings have been the subject of more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, multiple book chapters, dozens of conference abstracts and presentations on fish health.
They have in turn demonstrated the efficacy of Lallemand probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics and yeast-derived additives in enhancing fish health and welfare.
Dr Daniel Merrifield
