RESEARCH: researchers at Fiskaaling’s laboratory have so far had good results with a device, which the research park iNova has provided, and which so far has been mostly used to detect and analyse colonies of bacteria. Such experiments can be used for many different kinds of research projects and services, which are respectively either carried out at Fiskaaling or provided by the company.
Benefits of using this advanced device include first and foremost that all bacteria in the analysed sample are identified. There is a very large number of bacteria – possibly as many as 98 percent – that cannot be grown in a laboratory and are therefore not found when samples are analysed in such a way.
Experiments done with the advanced device can therefore, as a whole, describe the bacterial colony with much better measurements than when cultivation is necessary. Additionally, the relative distribution of the various kinds of bacteria can also be seen so that it is possible to confirm, which bacteria are dominant, and which are not. In this way it is also possible to follow samples of interest over time or in various conditions, as well as observing the dynamics in the bacterial colony. That is to say, to confirm how the relative distribution of bacteria changes over time or in relation to different conditions.
As a concrete result these experiments have given Fiskaaling better insight into the cleaning process at slaughterhouses and what effect it may have on quality. From this knowledge possible changes could therefore be improved in cases where it is desirable. Basic knowledge on bacterial colonies on or in lumpfish and various other conditions in their environment is also available now.
Research has been conducted into both wild lumpfish and lumpfish, which have come straight from Iceland, as well as lumpfish in various aquaculture farms. Comparisons between different lumpfish and their environments – along with knowledge on welfare and illness or mortality due to possible contagions or infections – have provided a very good foundation for improving on lumpfish welfare in various campaigns.
The bacterial colonies are of very great importance, and much can be done to affect the bacterial composition in such a way as to maximise its benefit and minimise its detriment to any link in the chain of aquaculture production.
Further information is available by contacting Ása Jacobsen, researcher at Fiskaaling, asa@fiskaaling.fo
