Location: Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research
Project Number: 2050-21310-005-006-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 19, 2014
End Date: Aug 18, 2019
Objective:
Amendment 5 – Adding funds for continuing research as stated below:
The overall goal of this collaborative research is to improve competitiveness of rainbow trout production. The specific objectives include evaluation of gene expression, proteomic differences, microbiota differences and performance of trout fed various alternate protein and lipid sources to identify differences between trout strains and selected/non-selected lines.
Approach:
Collaborative research will focus on obtaining information to better identify differences in gene expression of trout from selected and non-selected lines fed conventional or all-plant protein diets and to better characterize the intestinal microbial community using non-culture dependent techniques (new generation high-throughput technologies). Through development of a better understanding of the effects of specific ingredients and diet formulations on the intestinal microbial community, strategies can be developed to optimize gut health.
The collaborative research between ARS and UI will focus on the following three key tasks:
1) Identify rainbow trout families with improved phenotypes for growth and utilization of a grain-based fish feed through a genetic selection program, begin to assess performance of selected families as triploid fish and begin to establish sex-reversed broodstock to produce all-female populations, the primary types of rainbow trout used in commercial production.
2) Conduct feeding trials in support of the goal of developing a commercial trout feed based on oilseed and grain products without inclusion of marine protein and/or oil
3) Conduct feeding trials in support of the goal of optimizing the utilization of grain-based products to improve gut health and functionality for improved fish performance.
