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Oct 17, 2018

Transgenic fish food for healthier salmon

Oil from a genetically engineered oilseed crop could be used to feed farmed salmon and increase their levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, according to researchers. Salmon are an important source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can protect against cardiovascular disease, reduce inflammation and have a positive effect on brain development. However, the fish do not produce significant amounts of these fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, themselves so they obtain them through their diets. Farmed salmon contain less omega-3 than their wild counterparts as they mostly eat a vegetarian diet, so fish oils are added to boost their nutritional value. Aquaculture accounts for around 75% of global marine fish oil consumption, and salmon production consumes over 60% of this. Increased production has led to a shortage in these oils, which caused prices to increase and the use of vegetable oils instead.  Read the article.