The link between vitamin D and sunlight is known for mammals, but how about fish?
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for salmonids. It is crucial for good fish health, growth, skeletal development and a well-functioning immune system. Results from research on salmon’s need for vitamin D vary, but may suggest higher needs than previous recommendations.
FHF.no says that unlike mammals, which can produce vitamin D from sunlight in their skin, salmonids have been thought to rely largely on dietary sources to meet their needs.
It has previously been thought that the production of vitamin D from UV light exposure is a negligible source of vitamin D for fish.
However, studies now show that many fish species can use this metabolic pathway for vitamin D production to a greater extent than previously thought.
Consequently, FHF says, there is a need for knowledge that can ensure that farmed salmon’s vitamin D needs are met, especially in growing salmon in production systems with limited or no access to natural light, but also as a result of seasonal variations in sunlight access for conventional farming in open cages.
The objective of the call is to provide knowledge about salmon’s need for vitamin D under relevant farming conditions.
No decision has been made on the number of projects that will be financed; both larger and smaller projects may be considered for financing.
The duration of project proposals must be adapted to the problem, but continuous dissemination of results for the fastest possible implementation in the industry will count positively.
The call is limited to project proposals aimed at Atlantic salmon farming.
