© Onda
This study comes at a time when alternatives to antibiotics are being sought in the aquaculture sector. Showcasing the potential of advanced feed additive technologies, the novel technology aims to mitigate disease and support fish welfare without compromising performance or palatability.
Yersinia ruckeri is a bacterium that causes enteric redmouth disease (ERM), which is a major challenge among producers of rainbow trout as it causes high mortality and reduces growth performance. It’s a persistent challenge to farmers and makes for complicated disease management due to chronic infections and asymptomatic carriers.
Faced with mounting regulatory pressure and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, aquaculture producers worldwide are seeking effective, science-backed alternatives to traditional treatments. Vetagro’s microencapsulation platform offers a novel solution by protecting sensitive phytogenic compounds until they reach their site of action, thereby preserving their bioactivity and optimizing dosage efficiency.
VP at Vetagro, Ester Grilli, said in a press release: “Vetagro was founded by a group of professors from the University with the strategic mission to transform scientific innovation into market-ready solutions. Here we are now in 2025, putting science and experience in microencapsulation at the service of the aquaculture sector.”
To validate their proprietary feed additive formulations, Vetagro partnered with Onda, whose extensive pathogen library and technical expertise in aquaculture disease models were instrumental in the success of the project.
The study found significant reductions in mortality due to Yersinia ruckeri in the two prototypes containing the microencapsulated phytogenic feed (26.3% and 29.3% respectively when compared to control). The formulations were well accepted by juvenile rainbow trout, confirming palatability. These results support the viability of precision-encapsulated phytogenics as part of a proactive health management strategy for freshwater finfish producers.
“We’re proud to have partnered with Vetagro on this forward-thinking research,” added Myrna Gillis, CEO at Onda. “This work exemplifies how scientific collaboration drives innovation - translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions for aquaculture producers navigating growing sustainability and regulatory demands.”
