Project

Effect of muscle growth dynamics on nutritional requirements of Nile tilapia

Background

Retention of dietary nutrients by fish is a key aspect of aquaculture farm resource-use efficiency. Dietary protein retention is especially important from both an economic (fish fillet production) and environmental (farm effluents) perspective. Dietary protein retention is affected by dietary levels of other macronutrients (lipids and carbohydrates) and possibly by muscle growth dynamics. Our project addresses the interplay between muscle growth dynamics and nutritional requirements in Nile tilapia, a species of high importance to worldwide aquaculture.

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Objectives

The project aims at better understanding the dietary protein-to-energy requirement of Nile tilapia and its relation to muscle growth dynamics. Research questions include:

  • Is there an optimal protein-to-energy ratio for Nile tilapia diets?

  • How do environmental and dietary factors affect muscle growth dynamics in Nile tilapia?

  • How are Nile tilapia nutritional requirements affected by muscle growth dynamics?

Methodology

Meta-analysis, Modelling, Balance feed trials, Histochemistry

Requirements

Students pursuing BSc/MSc in Aquaculture and Marine Resources Management, Animal Sciences, Biology or related discipline.

Contact details

Gauthier Konnert (gauthier.konnert@wur.nl), PhD candidate, Aquaculture and Fisheries/Experimental Zoology, Wageningen University and Research, Address- Room E1230, Zodiac (building 122), De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, Tel. +31 (0)317 483307