Environmental and dietary causes of nephrocalcinosis in salmonid aquaculture

Nephrocalcinosis is a common production disorder in salmonid aquaculture, manifested by the accumulation of mineralized phosphate, calcium, magnesium, and ammonia in the kidneys, leading to production losses and poor animal welfare. The etiology is not clear; CO2 and salinity are known factors, while temperature, alkalinity, water hardness, dietary phosphate, and high protein to energy ratios are suspected factors.

This project aims to screen the influence of water quality parameters, individually and in combination, on urinary flow and chemistry in an assessment of conditions that favor mineralization. This is followed by long-term growth trials to determine interacting effects of diet and test the potential for dietary intervention. Kidney histology and mineral analysis, and gene expression and omics studies on collected kidney and liver tissues are applied to assess kidney health and function, in addition to fish production performance.

Funding
The project is funded by the  Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF).

Research area: Aquaculture