Drop in consumption of antibiotics

In collaboration with BP Nutrition ARC, scientists at SINTEF Applied Chemistry have developed a new hatcher that reduces the need for antibiotics in fish farms. The hatcher has been designed to separate out dead eggs and eggs that are infected with bacteria. This prevents bacterial growth in the hatching tank and cuts down the amount of antibiotics needed during hatching.

Another measure that has reduced the consumption of antibiotics is a new feed which was developed by SINTEF scientists in collaboration with BIOMAR, a manufacturer of fish feedstuffs. The new feed helps the fish to generally good health, so that they are better able to withstand infections.

The group is also working on other measures, including the possibility of adding an immune system stimulant derived from seaweed, so that the fry become more resistant to disease.