Objectif
Sustainable expansion of European fish farming is dependent on feeds relying less on fishmeal. European researches and industry initiatives over the last decade have resulted in a significantly decrease in the share of fishmeal in fish feeds, but current replacement rates seem to be close to the physiological capacity of the different species. This project will use one of the most important cultured fish in Europe (Sparus aurata) as animal model, to look for a novel strategy for increasing the use of plant meals in aquafeeds, addressing a key question in today nutrition research: can early diet influences long-term outcome? Hence, the main objective is to assess if early manipulations in fish larva can encourage a better use of plant proteins in later life. This issue (nutritional programming, in its wider sense) has been poorly studied in animals other than humans and mammalian models. The project will focus at four different levels: epigenetic programming, compensatory responses, microbiota changes, and growth outcome produced by early exposure to plant proteins and pro/prebiotics. The multidisciplinary nature of the project is strong, involving a combination of well developed biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology and aquaculture. This proposal includes both the transfer of knowledge to the host institution and the training of the candidate in new advanced techniques. Results have the potential capacity to increase the competitiveness of the Mediterranean aquaculture and provide room for further studies at the fundamental and applied levels in S. aurata, and other European cultured fishes. This project is in line with the EU strategy for the sustainable development of aquaculture.
Champ scientifique
Appel à propositions
FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IIF
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Régime de financement
MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)Coordinateur
28006 Madrid
Espagne