SalmoSim successfully demonstrated that the salmon gut microbiome could be modelled. We have since developed the system further to simulate digestibility of feed ingredients, as well as their influence on gut microbes. With several commercial clients now on board, the project is a nice example of where basic and applied science meet to drive innovation. – Dr Martin Llewellyn of SalmoSim

Dr Martin Llewellyn, SalmoSim

The global aquafeed market continuously seeks innovative and sustainable raw materials. The relative value position of a new ingredient within complex feed formulations requires a fast-tracked solution to quantify product quality and application. SalmoSim offers an innovative new tool enabling rapid quantitative and cost-effective data without the need for longer term fish trials – a real game changer in nutritional understanding. – John Sweetman, International Project Manager for Aquaculture, Alltech

John Sweetman, International Project Manager for Aquaculture, Alltech

Impact

This project developed the first laboratory model of the salmon intestinal microbiota, SalmoSim, and investigated how this model compares to a change in feed.

The purpose of the SalmoSim system is to screen feed additives for their potential effects on the microbiota of salmon, as well as their digestibility and the team are commercialising the concept. This should save time and expense when compared to undertaking live fish trials, but the system complements live testing rather than replacing it. SalmoSim therefore offers the salmon sector a novel service in the screening of ingredients for aquafeeds.

The SAIC project enabled the construction and design of the first iteration of the SalmoSim system. The commercial partner, Alltech then used SalmoSim to test the influence of a mannose-oligosaccharide prebiotic. The laboratory system also allows the measurement of volatile fatty acid production within the SalmoSim system. The SalmoSim system can also be used to explore antimicrobial activity of additives, within the context of the micriobiome. The SalmoSim team are exploring how the system may be used to give an estimate of the digestibility of an ingredient.

Since completing the SAIC-supported innovation project SalmoSim has secured interest from manufacturers of feed additives to trial new products before committing to larger projects in large fish.

“SalmoSim successfully demonstrated that the salmon gut microbiome could be modelled. We have since developed the system further to simulate digestibility of feed ingredients, as well as their influence on gut microbes. With several commercial clients now on board, the project is a nice example of where basic and applied science meet to drive innovation.” Dr Martin Llewellyn of SalmoSim

“The global aquafeed market continuously seeks innovative and sustainable raw materials. The relative value position of a new ingredient within complex feed formulations requires a fast-tracked solution to quantify product quality and application.  SalmoSim offers an innovative new tool enabling rapid quantitative and cost-effective data without the need for longer term fish trials – a real game changer in nutritional understanding.” John Sweetman, International Project Manager for Aquaculture, Alltech

“The team has made great progress since the project started and it is good to see such positive results from a collaborative research and development project. The gut simulator could be hugely beneficial for addressing some of the sector’s biggest challenges around fish health and sustainability, particularly for companies developing alternative feeds or new digestible medicines. SalmoSim is a great example of the ground-breaking research taking place in Scotland that has the potential to make a significant difference to the worldwide aquaculture sector, as well as shape the sustainability of global food production.” Heather Jones, CEO, SAIC

A PhD student, two master’s students and three post-doctoral researchers received training and development within the project.

SalmoSim® was founded to fill a gap in applied research and development systems of salmon aquaculture: a comprehensive simulator of the salmon gastro-intestinal tract. The business aims to understand the relationship between aquaproducts, nutrient bio-accessibility and gut microbes in order to improve the productivity and sustainability of farmed salmon. 

The SalmoSim® system is designed to dramatically reduce the in vivo testing costs involved with bringing innovative feed ingredients to market. 

Find out more about the success of this project and the spin-off business from the SalmoSim website and Twitter account.

The aquaculture sector is changing rapidly, with many seeking to find more sustainable ingredients for fish feed that can support future growth as a substitute for wild-caught fish. SalmoSim can help feed manufacturers with an important pre-screening phase, allowing them to eliminate unviable options without the time and expense associated with full-scale tests.

In December 2020, SalmoSim secured its first commercial contract with California-based Calysta, supporting trials for a sustainable alternative protein source that could be rolled-out across the global aquaculture industry. Read the full story here. and see The Fish Site's article on validating in vitro feed trials here.