In nature, fish are not swimming in clear water, but are exposed to a range of natural substances. One group are humic substances which arise from degradation of organic material and brown the water. Our recent study by Dr. Thomas Meinelt and Dr. Thora Lieke proved, that rainbow trout kept in humic rich water have improved mucosal immune parameters. The activity of lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase, enzymes that are eminent to degrade bacteria, increased significantly. Fish exposed to humic substances had over 40 % increased protection against the fish pathogen Yersinia ruckeri. The results from the TNA project (funded by Aquaexcel 3.0 no. 871108) will help to ensure a safe and sustainable fish production in the future.
A short video of this project can be found here.
Details about the TNA project can be found here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389424003169?via%3Dihub
