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INVESTIGATOR: Eya, J. C.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
PO BOX 1000
INSTITUTE, WEST VIRGINIA 25112

IMPROVING EFFICIENCY OF GROWTH, NUTRIENT UTILIZATION AND MITOCHONDRIAL OXIDATIVE FUNCTION USING ALTERNATIVE FEED INGREDIENTS

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: This project advances genomics and metagenomics-based nutritional approaches in improving productivity and quality of aquaculture in anticipation of climate change. This project will study alternative feed/fish gut microbiome/mitochondrial function/temperature interactions and will generate important information relevant to the development of sustainable, low cost aquaculture feeds. Objectives 1: Determine the interactive effects of various fat sources and temperature on growth performance characteristics, mitochondrial function, and fish gut microbiome in rainbow trout. Sub-objective 1A: Characterize and compare effects of fish versus plant proteins and oils and temperature on growth performance characteristics, mitochondrial function, and fish gut microbiome; Sub-objective 1 B: Evaluate the effects of blending animal and vegetable fats on production efficiency, mitochondrial function, and fish gut microbiome; Sub-objective 1 C: Characterize and compare effects of feeding plant oil versus rendered animal oils and temperature on growth performance characteristics, mitochondrial function, and fish gut microbiome; and Objective 2: Test the ecological resilience of the fish gut microbial community with regard to adaptive energy extraction from alternative feed ingredients. This project will generate new data that will improve understanding of the importance of fish gut microbiome and its role in fish physiology, feed efficiency and growth. Providing an understanding of these issues using aquaculture genomics may lead to commercialization of alternatives resulting in reduced dependence on marine fish resources. Additionally, underrepresented groups will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge genomics-based research that equips them with skills and knowledge necessary for leadership in STEM-related fields. Moreover, directly incorporating research activities into student education and training and focusing on under-served students will diversify STEM-related workforce.

OBJECTIVES: Objective 1: Determine the interactive effects of various protein/fat sources and temperature on growth performance characteristics, mitochondrial function, and fish gut microbiome in rainbow trout. Sub-objective 1A: Characterize and compare effects of fish versus plant proteins and oils and temperature on growth performance characteristics, mitochondrial function, and fish gut microbiome in rainbow trout; Sub-objective 1 B: Evaluate the effects of blending animal and vegetable fats on production efficiency, mitochondrial function, and fish gut microbiome in rainbow trout; and Objective 2: Test the ecological resilience of the fish gut microbial community with regard to adaptive energy extraction from alternative feed ingredients.