R. Waagbo, O. Lie, M. Izquierdo, H. Fernandez-Palacios
Sustainable aquaculture includes production of good quality offspring. Gonadal development and fecundity in fish are greatly affected by broodstock nutrition, among other external factors. The impact of several single nutritional factors on reproductive performance has been studied. Antioxidant vitamins are essential fatty acids are among the most potent nutrients, affecting several processes in fish reproduction, including endocrinology, vitellogenesis as well as nutrient composition of the egg. Compared to other nutrients the role of carotenoids in reproduction and egg development has been extensively studied, however, concluding minor impact on egg quality and fry survival. Examples on recent research will be given.
Recording the micronutrient composition of good quality eggs and their metobolism during embryogenesis has been used as a tool in revealing causes of variation in egg and fry quality. Increased knowledge on nutrient requirements during embryogenesis is warranted as indicator of the nutritional demands during first feeding.
The repertoire of aquacultural species worldwide increases and present practical experience on marine species shows that hatcheries have problems with large variation in seed production and quality. Along with standardized routines on broodstock management, the use of special diets represent an important step in improving the quality of egg and juveniles, as well as the health and survival of the broodfish.
(Institute of Nutrition, Directorate of Fisheries, Bergen, Norway)