Safe use of immunostimulants in fish feed

Offentlig prosjektsammendrag

Mortality and suffering due to poor skin health, compromised immune system and infections with wound-causing bacteria are a major challenge for most producers of Atlantic salmon, especially during periods of low seawater temperatures. Atlantic salmon are highly dependent on their innate immune system, but proper function is often compromised due to a variety of reasons. Certain feed additives are known to stimulate the immune system of Atlantic salmon and other animals, leading to a significantly better immune response when faced with e.g. pathogenic bacteria. The result is lower mortality and morbidity, and improved animal welfare. In this project we aim to evaluate the safety of long term use of such additives and to investigate the effects in different tissues.