027767ES
"To formulate 5 experimental diets containing (A) enhanced levels of ascorbyl phosphate (1,200 mg AP/kg) and tocopherol acetate (800 mg TA/kg), (B) supplement of flavonoids (myricetin, kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin), (C) a combination of A and B, (D) ethanol/water extract from tropical fruit of aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa) or Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyeni), and (E) control diet supplemented with the recommended fish diet requirement level of AP and TA. 2. To perform growth experiments with rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (OSU) and yellow perch Perca flavescens (UWM) juveniles fed the diets above, but with 26 or 14% lipids, respectively, until there is a 10-fold body weight increase. Growth, diet utilization, and whole-body chemical composition will be examined. A second experiment will use fish of a size so that they will reach marketable size with 60 days of feeding and fillets will be harvested and stored refrigerated for 3, 6, and 12 days. 3. To analyze muscle lipid content, fatty acid profiles, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and microbial counts on the fillets. 4. To use Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS) to measure the volatiles from fresh, stored, and cooked fillets obtained from 2 species of fish fed the 5 different diets. To measure the effect of ice storage, cooking of fillet from fish fed different diets on both the characteristic and rancid volatile compounds generated. 5. To measure the effect of refrigerated storage in association with perception, liking, and food choice using methods of human sensory testing. 6. To transfer knowledge of improved fish diets to aquafeed manufacturers as well as enhanced fish fillets quality through the NCRAC and other outreach programs (Seafood Products Association and National Fisheries Institute)." The Ohio State University
Project Grant 20233850040773 $111.8k 5/27/26 027767CS
1) Examine effectiveness of single deterrent (laser system or sound blanket system) for controlling avian predation at aquaculture production facilities 2) Examine effectiveness of an integrated pest management approach to avian predation at aquaculture production facilities using a combination of laser and acoustic deterrent systems 3) Identify costs associated with acquiring, operating, and maintaining commercially available bird deterrent technologies. 4) Develop programming and outreach materials for beginning and experienced farmers describing study results pertaining to outdoor aquaculture facilities and managing problematic birds. Kansas State University
Project Grant 20233850040773 $62.5k 7/30/25 027767BS
"The capacity to bring walleye (Sander vitreus) to market at various points during the year remains a challenge for food fish commercialization. One option is to cold bank walleye fingerlings where they are exposed to cold temperatures for a period to slow growth rates before being brought back on to warm water temperatures to resume growth. Although cold banking is a promising approach, there has been little research on adapting the method for walleye producers. It is uncertain how soon after hatching walleye can be cold-banked. This information is important for understanding how much space and feed would be required to cold bank walleye. In addition to the applied research on the practical limitations of cold banking, economic analysis of the viability of the various approaches for staggering cohorts is critical. This project would evaluate the viability of cold banking walleye both biologically and economically. We will expose fingerling walleye to 1-month cold banking periods at two different ages (60 days post hatch, 120 days post hatch) and evaluate growth rates (before, during, and after cold banking), survival rates, feed requirements, tank volume requirements, and the total cost among treatments. We will use cost information from this study (and previous projects) to evaluate and compare the economic viability of cold banking relative to out-of-season spawning to evaluate which cohort staggering method is most cost effective. University Of Wisconsin System
Project Grant 20233850040773 $126.5k 4/30/25 027767AS
"Aquaculture producers in the North Central Region (NCR) have identified aquaculture literacy and consumer education as critical needs to advance industry growth. Lack of education about aquaculture can lead to consumers who are confused and likely discourages consumers from purchasing aquaculture products. In order to inform and attract potential consumers, producers need to understand what marketing messages and attributes of their products motivate consumer purchasing. To understand the most effective marketing strategy, we will engage NCR consumers with various science-based aquaculture promotional messages (text and images). We will collect qualitative and quantitative data from focus groups and a survey to elicit information that interests consumers and leads to an affinity for aquaculture products. We will use the research outcomes to develop a toolkit and teaching curriculum that will be implemented in workshops to teach aquaculture producers about effective messaging and how to apply this information to market their products and improve consumer literacy. Overall, this project will systematically identify consistent, positive, and accurate consumer messaging and empower producers to use these messages to increase consumer demand in the NCR." Michigan State University
Project Grant 20233850040773 $280.7k 4/30/25