Burbot Lota lota maculosa is the only cod-like freshwater species with great potential for diversification of freshwater aquaculture. It offers various advantages, including high fecundity and market ...value as a foodfish and valuable byproducts from its liver and skin (leather products). Burbot thrive under trout culture conditions and exhibit resistance to many common salmonid pathogens. Despite these advantages, its availability in the US market is limited, and current producers face challenges when transitioning to burbot production. One major challenge lies in the reliance on live feeds during larval culture, leading to escalated hatchery costs. Additionally, limited knowledge of burbot's market potential and the economic feasibility of farming these species pose significant obstacles. Furthermore, the absence of a commercially available formulated diet specific to burbot may fail to meet their nutritional requirements for optimal growth. Addressing these challenges is vital for burbot aquaculture's successful and sustainable development. This dissertation aimed to assess the potential for commercial production of burbot by improving larval rearing techniques (reducing live feed use), determining nutritional requirements, and conducting marketing and economic feasibility analyses. The study successfully explored alternative commercial feeds (EZ Artemia and Gemma microparticulate diet) for early weaning of burbot larvae, reducing their dependency on live prey items. Based on the second-order polynomial regression analysis of weight gain, an optimum dietary protein level of 49.5% was identified for sub-adult burbot, providing a baseline for formulating practical and environmentally sustainable diets specific to this species. Evaluation of market viability is another important consideration for a new species as it allows producers to make informed business decisions, foster environmental sustainability, and ensure consumer satisfaction with the product. Market viability evaluation through consumer surveys and sensory analysis revealed that burbot would be highly marketable, adding value to the US domestic market by offering a white fillet option to salmonids and diversifying production for new market entrants. Finally, through enterprise budget simulations, it was demonstrated that cultivating burbot under trout culture conditions is an economically viable activity. This suggests that burbot aquaculture, when conducted under conditions similar to those for trout farming, holds promise for generating positive economic outcomes, making it an attractive venture for fish farmers and investors.
The aquaculture industry needs to increase the diversity of fish species to meet consumers' escalating demands. Burbot (Lota maculosa) has emerged as a promising candidate for such diversification. ...Nonetheless, a dearth of knowledge exists concerning their sensory characteristics and overall consumer acceptance. This study sought to investigate these crucial aspects, which are instrumental in assessing the market potential of this fish species. A consumer survey was conducted in Idaho from March through July 2017 to initially evaluate burbot's consumer acceptance and market potential. Results showed that over 96% of consumers liked the texture of burbot, 92% liked the flavor of the burbot, and 90% would try burbot again. Significant reasons for consumers' willingness to eat burbot included cooking preparation, tasty, mild flavor, excellent texture, and excellent flavor. Results from this indicate that burbot is a promising food fish candidate for commercialization. Based on these results, a follow-up panelists survey and sensory analysis were conducted in April 2019 to further investigate consumer acceptance and sensory properties of burbot when compared to other prominent aquaculture species (trout and tilapia). The three species exhibited different sensory profiles; however, burbot was ranked significantly higher for aroma, flavor, and taste. Conversely, panelists found tilapia and trout to be significantly (P < 0.05) firmer than burbot for firmness. The results from the sensory testing showed that 87% and 81% of panelists preferred burbot to tilapia and trout, respectively, and 79% would be willing to try this as a new species on the market. The distinct profiles of burbot indicate that this fish species would be highly marketable and if available would contribute to the diversification of U.S. commercial aquaculture by offering a delicate white fillet option to salmonids.
•Consumers liked the texture and flavor of the burbot and expressed keen interest in consuming the burbot again as a new option in the market.•Burbot was preferred over trout and tilapia in terms of taste, aroma, flavor, and texture.•Burbot could be a highly marketable species and can help contribute to the diversification of U.S. commercial aquaculture by providing a delicate white fillet alternative to salmonids.
Optimizing early weaning protocols for Burbot larvae Matuha, Moureen; Oliver, Luke P.; Bruce, Timothy J. ...
North American journal of aquaculture,
January 2024, 2024-01-00, Letnik:
86, Številka:
1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Objective
This study aimed to minimize live prey usage and duration in Burbot Lota lota larval culture. Specifically, two trials were conducted to assess the viability of EZ Artemia (liquid Artemia ...replacement) and Gemma microparticulate diets as alternatives to traditional live feeds, investigating their impact on larval Burbot's growth and survival.
Methods
In trial 1, five treatments were evaluated: the control group received rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) and Artemia spp. from 11 to 50 days posthatch (dph). Treatment (Trt) 1 had live feeds from 11 to 78 dph; Trt 2 received only microparticulate diets; Trt 3 was fed rotifers at 11–22 dph and Gemma microparticulate diets at 21–50 dph; and Trt 4 received rotifers at 11–20 dph, then co‐feeding of Artemia spp. and EZ Artemia at 21–32 dph, followed by EZ Artemia at 33–40 dph. In trial 2, five feeding treatments were assessed: the control group was the same as in trial 1; Trt 1 received rotifers at 11–25 dph and EZ Artemia at 20–50 dph; Trt 2 had Artemia spp. from 11 to 30 dph and EZ Artemia at 25–50 dph; Trt 3 received only EZ Artemia; Trt 4 had Artemia spp. at 11–21 dph, followed by co‐feeding of Artemia spp. and Gemma Wean at 22–32 dph and exclusive feeding of Gemma Wean from 33 to 78 dph.
Result
In trial 1, it was found that the utilization of EZ Artemia reduced the live feeding period by 17 days; however, both survival and growth were notably lower compared to the control. In trial 2, survival rates varied from 0% to 30.94%, with Trt 1, Trt 2, and Trt 4 demonstrating a reduction in the live feeding period by 17–24 days. Survival rates for the Trt 1 and Trt 2 groups did not exhibit a significant difference from the control group.
Conclusion
These studies collectively show that eliminating rotifers or Artemia spp. during Burbot larval culture can be accomplished with minimal adverse effects on both survival and growth.
Impact statement
The production of traditional live feeds (rotifers and Artemia spp.) entails significant expenses and labor. Early weaning of Burbot larvae onto non‐live foods can reduce infrastructure costs, offering flexibility in feeding practices. This study showcases the effectiveness of prepared feeds including (EZ Artemia and Gemma microparticulate diets) in diminishing reliance on live feeds, presenting them as viable alternatives to rotifers or Artemia spp. in Burbot larval production. This approach enhances the economic viability of commercial hatchery operations for producers interested in culturing this new emerging freshwater species.
Aquaculture, being largely non-traditional in Uganda, is challenged by inadequate information and technical assistance to guide farmers. Farmers in Uganda have accumulated enough experience in ...growing crops and livestock farming, but they have little information on raising fish. Mobile phones could improve aquaculture productivity by increasing access to technical guidance, extension services, product assembly, input coordination, and price discovery for small-scale fish farmers. However, little is known about the potential impact of mobile phone use on aquaculture learning and conveying needs and interests of fish farmers in Uganda. The objectives of this study were (1) to review the literature on the use of mobile phones in agricultural development, (2) to assess mobile phones as a source of information for fish farmers in Uganda and (3) to examine the reported experiences and perception of mobile phone use among fish farmers in Uganda. Five focused group discussions with fish farmers were conducted in five districts of Uganda in the months of May, June, and July 2014. The main findings reveal that fish farmers mainly use their mobile phones to access technical guidance from intermediary farmers, obtain market information, accomplish mobile banking and receiving, contact family members and make plans for procurement of fish farming inputs. Factors influencing mobile phone use included lack of electricity, poor network coverage, high calling credit and maintenance costs, lack of awareness and promotion. On the other hand, information regarding stocking and harvesting, feeding management, pond construction and management, disease management, water quality management, broodstock management and market prices were most needed by fish farmers.
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