Mowi Advances in Fish Breeding and Nutrition

Mowi is actively contributing to three research projects under the Horizon 2020 (H2020) initiative of the European Union. The most significant project involving Mowi is AquaIMPACT. This project aims to combine fish breeding and nutrition to enhance the competitiveness of the EU's aquaculture sector, which includes Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, gilthead seabream, and European seabass. The goal is to ensure food and nutrition security while meeting consumer expectations for high-quality seafood with minimal environmental impact. AquaIMPACT will create products and services for the European aquaculture breeding industry using genomic selection, focusing on cost-effective trait recording and genotyping, and selecting traits that can only be recorded in commercial settings. This will allow for the development of nutrition and feeding strategies specifically designed for genetically improved fish from breeding programs that incorporate emerging ingredients, essential nutrients, and suitable additives. The application of genomic technologies will be economically optimized and combined with nutritional and digital solutions to produce healthier, more nutritious, and resource-efficient fish. This will encourage industrial practices that promote a circular bioeconomy, zero waste, and efficient use of natural resources. Mowi Feed and Mowi Breeding are participating in the AquaIMPACT project by conducting trials at Mowi’s Feed facilities in Ardnish, Scotland, and Averøy, Norway. The Averøy trial concluded in the summer of 2021, and the data is currently being analyzed by researchers from NOFIMA and the Mowi Breeding team. The Ardnish trial will continue until May 2022. Both trials are examining the relationship between diet and genetic selection for pigmentation improvement. The results of these trials will be reported in due course. For more information on Mowi's participation in other Horizon 2020 projects, please refer to the links below. NextGen Proteins Oleaf4value The AquaIMPACT project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 818367.