The report will focus on the species that are most important commercially (e.g., catfish, tilapia, bass, trout, salmon, sea bass and sea bream, and shrimp), but other emerging species (e.g., halibut, Atlantic cod, and winter flounder) may be included.
The committee will examine estimates of nutrient requirements and signs of nutrient deficiencies as reported in the literature and will evaluate information on management techniques and feeding practices that influence requirements.
They will also examine research findings on the use of various protein sources and review the effects of nutrition in commercial fish production on nutrient and waste excretion and on environmental pollution. Strategies to increase nutrient retention and thus reduce fecal and metabolic excretions that contribute to environmental pollution will be reviewed.
According to the National Academies, the committees report will include:
- a comprehensive analysis of recent research on feeding and nutrition of fish and shrimp, nutrient requirements, and physiological and environmental factors affecting requirements
- an update of the recommendations contained in the 1993 NRC publication "Nutrient Requirements of Fish," which currently serves as the authoritative source of information (in the U.S. and internationally) for feeding fish, with additional information on shrimp.
- a description of feeding and production methods to reduce waste and environmental impacts
- a review of the benefits and detriments of including marine products in fish feeds
- information on the composition of feeds, feed additives (including substances such as antimicrobials and nutraceuticals), and other compounds routinely fed to fish and shrimp
- data on changes in the nutrient content of fish, such as omega-3 fatty acids, with changes in fish diet formulation
The project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service; The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; The United Soybean Board; and internal NRC funds derived from sales of publications in the Animal Nutrition Series.
