Nutritional Physiology

The major aim of nutritional physiology is to determine the fundamental mechanisms underlying growth and nutrient utilisation. Research considers the energetic costs of growth through understanding feed and nutrient intake, digestion, protein synthesis and degradation, amino acid and energy metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and deposition and nutrient requirements. Of particular interest are the consequences of climate change, the interaction between gene expression and nutrition, and making aquaculture feeds and feeding more sustainable.

Staff Members: Prof Chris Carter; Dr Louise Ward; Dr Andrew Bridle; Dr Robin Katersky

Research Students : Julia Barnes; Brian Choa; Nafisa Sanga; Matt Jones;

Endocrine Physiology

Research focuses on the endocrine (hormonal) control of growth (i.e. growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors) and reproductive development in fish.  Current research projects are investigating environmental control of growth and early maturation in salmonids (Aquafin CRC project) and environmental and endocrine interactions in the commercial production of barramundi.  Furthermore, the potentially detrimental impacts of husbandry and environmental related stressors in commercial aquaculture operations are investigated for a range of species.

Staff Members: Dr Ryan Wilkinson

Research Students: Kristen Worral

Digestive Physiology

Digestive physiology explores processes in the digestive system affecting nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme expression & structural changes in the digestive tract. Research addresses the effects that feeding strategy, culture conditions & ingredient composition have on the structure and function of the digestive system of finfish & invertebrates.

Staff Members: Dr Louise Ward; Prof Chris Carter;

Research Students: