Physiology
By
Svante Winberg, Professor
Research in this area focuses on intestinal physiology in fish as well as its modulation by dietary components and its importance for nutrient utilisation and general health.
Very little information exists regarding normal digestive physiology and regulation in fish. A better understanding is considered of crucial importance for further development in the aquaculture industry, since feed supply is becoming a primary bottleneck for expansion in cultivation of carnivorous fish species such as salmonids, halibut, turbot, cod, marine catfish etc. Expansion in aquaculture is dependent on finding alternative nutrient sources for both fat and protein. The aquaculture feed industry in Norway already includes plant feedstuffs in feeds for salmonids.
However, plant feedstuffs may severely affect digestive physiology with impact on nutrient utilisation and health. The main goals of our research activities are to describe and understand hydrolytic processes taking place in the chyme as it moves along the gastro-intestinal tract, as well as enzymatic activities, nutrient transport processes, and morphological characteristics of the gut wall in carnivorous fish. Functional characteristics of internal organs such as liver and pancreas are also studied. The studies are carried out with varying feed ingredients and feeding regimes to gain knowledge regarding the mechanisms behind the effects of diet composition on gut characteristics, a prerequisite for the development of diets based on alternative feedstuffs such as plants seeds and microorganisms. So far salmonids have been the focus of the studies carried out in close cooperation with external research groups and the feed industry. A multidisciplinary approach in the investigation secures quality and involvement of the industry allows rapid implementation of results.
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