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Optimization of Practical Feed Formulation to Improve Fish Health and Production of Yellow Perch (Perca Flavescens) Project

Description

We hypothesize that optimization of dietary carbohydrate used in fish feed will help to increase fish health and growth performance as well as reduce feed cost for yellow perch. Specifically, we will investigate how different carbohydrates influence 1) growth performance and nutrient utilization in laboratory and farm conditions; 2) fish tolerance in response to acute temperature shocks or hypoxia challenge; and 3) bacterial community composition and active community fraction in the host gut across diet regimes. Read more about Optimization of Practical Feed Formulation to Improve Fish Health and Production of Yellow Perch (Perca Flavescens) Project

6th Regional Aquaculture Extension Specialist (RAES) Project

Description

Specifically, the RAES will continue to strive to identify industry needs, work with others to develop and implement strategies to address those needs, provide liaison services to industry sectors, disseminate information to industry, public trust agencies and the general public, and develop and strengthen partnerships for sustainable aquaculture development in the NCR. Read more about 6th Regional Aquaculture Extension Specialist (RAES) Project

Choice of Seafood: An Analysis of the North Central Region Market for Farm Raised Seafood Project

Description

This project proposes a survey within the North Central Region (NCR) to identify marketing channels’ choices of seafood according to their constraints and demand perception. Assuming that marketing channels define the pool of options from which consumers choose seafood species and product form, this survey will be designed to identify their preferences and willingness to pay for farm-raised seafood, by species, quantity required, quality perception and preferred form of product. Read more about Choice of Seafood: An Analysis of the North Central Region Market for Farm Raised Seafood Project

Funded Project #26 - Assessing the Status of Aquaculture Associations in the NCR

Description

Given the NCRAC goal of “establishing strong and vibrant state aquaculture associations,” it is essential to first have a thorough understanding of 1) why some aquaculture producers choose to join associations and others do not; 2) how producers value the various types of activities undertaken by state associations; 3) what types of services or programs would attract membership; and 4) what barriers and challenges exist to organizing and sustaining state aquaculture associations. Read more about Funded Project #26 - Assessing the Status of Aquaculture Associations in the NCR

Field Assessment of Design and Operation of Midwestern Aquaculture Buildings

Description

We propose to conduct comprehensive environmental and energy audits of five representative facilities during winter and summer, develop solutions to observed problems, and to disseminate findings and recommendations via publications and presentations to producers, consultants, extension personnel, and other stakeholders.

Chaired by Albert J. Heber Read more about Field Assessment of Design and Operation of Midwestern Aquaculture Buildings

Improving fish health in the NCR by integrating extension with the development of alternative disease prevention methods

Arming producers with practical means of improving farmed fish health in the NCR was identified as a priority need during the 2020 NCR Aquaculture Roundtable Sessions. This is achievable in short term with off-the-shelf tools previously developed by NCRAC-funded projects and regional synergistic efforts. Read more about Improving fish health in the NCR by integrating extension with the development of alternative disease prevention methods

Development of an all-female yellow perch population: A strategic approach using thermal manipulation, sperm selection, and genomic data analysis

Description

We will analyze sperm from these males using flowcytometry to verify exclusive production of “X” sperm. DNA from “X” sperm will be analyzed against an annotated yellow perch genome, to characterize sex-determining genes. Finally, these selected sperm samples will be cryopreserved and stored in a pilot cryo-bank. Read more about Development of an all-female yellow perch population: A strategic approach using thermal manipulation, sperm selection, and genomic data analysis

Educating a workforce for the aquaculture industry: Matching skill needs of the aquaculture industry with U.S. career and technical education (CTE)

Description

We plan to develop aquaculture workshops focusing on the needs of the schools and Extension educators, as well as provide access funding for them to attend these workshops. A basic education in aquaculture opens the door for students to attend universities with potential careers in business, engineering and the life sciences, all vital skills required by the aquaculture industry. Read more about Educating a workforce for the aquaculture industry: Matching skill needs of the aquaculture industry with U.S. career and technical education (CTE)

Comprehensive outreach and training program to expand development of NCR aquculture

Description

This project proposal will complement the webinar series, and enhance learning outcomes for participants by providing multiple hands-on, advanced aquaculture techniques workshops throughout the NCR. Topical areas for these fee-based workshops will include but not be limited to culture techniques for important NCR aquaculture species, advanced aquaculture systems design and management, aquaculture business and marketing, water quality maintenance, advanced fish health diagnostics and aquaculture regulatory issues.

Chaired by D. Allen Pattillo Read more about Comprehensive outreach and training program to expand development of NCR aquculture

Formulation and Assessment of a New Generation of Starter Diets for Largemouth Bass and Yellow Perch Larvae

Description:

We propose to utilize currently available protocols for larval rearing and explore starter diets formulated with new ingredients (variable molecular weight fish protein hydrolyzates), enzyme supplements (yeast expressing fish trypsin) and attractants (inosine monophosphate). Read more about Formulation and Assessment of a New Generation of Starter Diets for Largemouth Bass and Yellow Perch Larvae

Evaluation of Alternative Management Techniques and Systems to Improve Production of Pond-Reared Yellow Perch: Modeling the U.S. Catfish Industry

Description

The U.S. catfish industry encountered a similar need to be efficient and competitive and developed intensive aeration and split pond designs to increase production levels and ultimately bottom lines. Similar strategies may be applicable to NCR pond production but need to undergo “Proof-of-concept” on-farm trials prior to dissemination to the yellow perch industry and other NCR industries.

Chaired by Matthew A. Smith Read more about Evaluation of Alternative Management Techniques and Systems to Improve Production of Pond-Reared Yellow Perch: Modeling the U.S. Catfish Industry

Supporting and Expanding Aquaculture in the Midwest through Extension and Outreach

Description

The general focus of this project will be to collaborate with the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center’s (NCRAC’s) Industry Advisory Council (IAC) to develop a sustainable program that will be beneficial for established farmers throughout the Midwest; which will hopefully increase productivity and decrease costs.

Chaired by Matthew A. Smith Read more about Supporting and Expanding Aquaculture in the Midwest through Extension and Outreach

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