Revisiting specific dietary amino acid requirements of Atlantic salmon post-smolts
1 Purpose
To assess the effect of recent changes in dietary compositions (the use of certain additives and novel raw materials) on the utilisation and requirement of a specific amino acid.
2 Distress
Some fish in some treatments may develop minor-moderate physical symptoms of deficiency. Fish will be subjected to various stressors.
3 Expected benefit
Recommendations for dietary inclusion of specific amino acids in commercial diets for this species may be revised; reducing or eliminating the incidence of specific symptoms of deficiency in certain situations and improving overall health in these animals.
4 Number of animals, and what kind
1500 Atlantic salmon post- smolt
5 How to adhere to 3R
In vitro assays were considered but cannot replace in vivo trials in this case as they are unable to reliably model whole-body interactive amino acid metabolism. Fish numbers used in this experiment have been reduced to the fewest possible without compromising the validity of the results. Appropriate anaesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort where possible; and appropriate humane endpoints have been identified and will be considered in the management of the experiment.
To assess the effect of recent changes in dietary compositions (the use of certain additives and novel raw materials) on the utilisation and requirement of a specific amino acid.
2 Distress
Some fish in some treatments may develop minor-moderate physical symptoms of deficiency. Fish will be subjected to various stressors.
3 Expected benefit
Recommendations for dietary inclusion of specific amino acids in commercial diets for this species may be revised; reducing or eliminating the incidence of specific symptoms of deficiency in certain situations and improving overall health in these animals.
4 Number of animals, and what kind
1500 Atlantic salmon post- smolt
5 How to adhere to 3R
In vitro assays were considered but cannot replace in vivo trials in this case as they are unable to reliably model whole-body interactive amino acid metabolism. Fish numbers used in this experiment have been reduced to the fewest possible without compromising the validity of the results. Appropriate anaesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort where possible; and appropriate humane endpoints have been identified and will be considered in the management of the experiment.