University of Tasmania, Australia

Dietary carotenoid utilisation at high temperature by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Pigments are accumulated from dietary sources but cannot be synthesised by salmonids. The carotenoid group of pigments, including astaxanthin and canthaxanthin are the main classes of pigments deposited in fish tissues and perform important physiological roles in health, development and growth as well as colouration of the flesh. Pigmentation in salmon production is currently managed through a structured feeding program to maintain essential pigmentation in the flesh during early growth and to ensure that flesh quality is consistent with market expectations at harvest. Significant variation in tissue astaxanthin between individuals at harvest are anecdotally associated with periods of challenging culture conditions, and this study aims to provide detailed information on the mechanisms involved, to develop feeding and management strategies for different aquaculture practices.