Liposome-based microparticles for improved nutrition and production efficiency of marine fish larvae

Lead PI: Chris Langdon (OSU)

PI Email: chris.langdon@oregonstate.edu

Co-PI: Matt Hawkyard (UMaine/ARI), Kevin Stuart (HSWRI), Mark Drawbridge (HSWRI)

Project Team: UMaine/ARI, Oregon State University, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, Zeigler Bros.

Abstract: Currently available commercial-type microdiets have not been able to eliminate the Need for live feeds in marine finfish hatcheries. This is largely due to 1) low ingestion rates of microdiets, 2) low digestibility and 3) high losses of water-soluble nutrients during suspension in seawater, i.e. nutrient leaching. In the proposed research we will evaluate the use of liposome-containing microparticles for the delivery of complete nutrition to marine fish larvae. In previous research we have shown that liposomes can be used to delivery water-soluble nutrients to fish larvae via enriched live feeds. We have also found that liposomes can be encapsulated within larger carrier particles, termed liposome-containing complex particles (LCP) which can be fed directly to marine fish larvae and are capable of delivering a full suite of macro- and micronutrients. In the proposed research, we seek to build upon these successes by comparing LCP with commercial-type and Artemia replacement (liquid-type) diets in benchtop studies and larval feeding trials. California yellowtail (Seriola dumerili) will be used as the primary species in this project as it is a commercially viable marine finfish species in the US and early rearing and grow out strategies have been developed by team members at HSWRI.

Project Dates: Sept 2021 – August 2023

Project Funding: NOAA Saltonstall-Kennedy