Variation in developmental rate at early life stages of Atlantic salmon: applications for aquaculture

Normally in the production cycle, initiation of first feeding is based on the average developmental stage of the reared larva. There is, however, large variation in metabolic and developmental rate between individual fish, and early variation in metabolic rate predicts a number of other trait characteristics, such as social dominance, growth and timing of sexual maturation. Recent results also indicate a positive relationship between stress responsiveness in adult fish and metabolic and developmental rate in eggs and larva. This information could be used to optimize rearing regimes, before newly hatched fish enter more cost intensive parts of the production cycle. This application therefore aims to increase the knowledge about variation in developmental rates in Atlantic salmon, and explore the potential of utilizing this knowledge to increase the effectiveness of salmon production. The suggested approach is novel in that fish of known genetic background will be subjected to detailed investigations of developmental rate and related traits all the way through the rearing cycle up to surveying of end-product quality. Emphasis is placed on the effectife dissemination of results and exchange of knowledge between the involved academic and industry partners.