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ShrimpSim, our in-vitro model of the marine shrimp's digestive system supports aquaculture production and sustainability.
About
ShrimpSim is an in-vitro model where we use bioreactors to test the bioavailability and absorption of nutrients in diets formulated to feed cultivated marine shrimp. The model is validated by a feeding trial with live L. vannamei Whiteleg shrimp which compared diets of known indigestible and indigestible proteins. ShrimpSim will offer analyses of the digestibility and absorption of proteins, fats, fatty acids, carbohydrates and pigments to the producers of aquafeed ingredients and pelleted diets by the synergy of traditional nutritional chemistry and state-of-the-art biochemistry with innovative biotechnology. In addition, ShrimpSim shows promise for the analysis of veterinary medicine and nutraceuticals in terms of disintegration and stability absorption dynamics in the gastrointestinal tract. ShrimpSim replicates the enzymatic digestion of Shrimp's gut and mimics the optimised biochemical processes found in real shrimp.
Currently, the United Kingdom imports the majority of medium and large prawns from countries in South America and Asia where the questionable supply chains of aquafeeds impact the environment regarding land use, sustainability of nutrient sources (soya protein being a key ingredient) and decimation of fishery stocks (wild fish meal being a traditional ingredient in shrimp feeds). Thus, the demand for sustainable shrimp feeds requires the inclusion of novel ingredients yet is hindered by their suitability in terms of nutrient profile and digestibility of the nutrients.
The use of ShrimpSim services will reduce the need for in-vivo feed trials, which are time-consuming and technically difficult for shrimp and therefore we reduce the need for animal testing.
With ShrimpSim, we aim to reduce the environmental nutrient waste associated with feeds uneaten or partially digested by Shrimp in aquaculture, thus improving animal welfare and tackling marine pollution. Moreover, we can aid shrimp farmers by reducing the costs of production by screening shrimp diets in terms of their efficiency at provisioning appropriate nutrients to the livestock thus improving profits and reducing financial waste. In-vitro testing of shrimp feeds will ultimately improve the quality of the product, ensuring that consumers can purchase healthy shrimp enriched with optimised nutritional content (including omega-3 fatty acids).
ShrimpSim will deploy with a completely original design of digestive bioreactors operated with
the knowledge and experience of the staff at the SalmoSim project (concerning a simulation of farmed salmon's digestive system).
Key Benefits
The key benefits of an in-vitro gut model such as ShrimpSim, include:
1. Reduction in Animal Testing:
• Ethical Advantage: Minimizes the need for in-vivo trials, reducing the ethical concerns associated with animal testing.
• Time and Cost Efficiency: In-vitro models are less time-consuming and less expensive than conducting live animal trials.
2. Precision and Control:
• Controlled Environment: Allows precise control over experimental conditions, leading to more accurate and reproducible results.
• Targeted Analysis: Facilitates detailed study of specific digestive processes and nutrient absorption mechanisms.
3. Environmental Impact:
• Reduction of Waste: Helps reduce nutrient waste in aquaculture by optimizing feed formulations to ensure better digestion and absorption.
• Sustainable Practices: Supports the development of more sustainable shrimp feeds by evaluating novel ingredients and their digestibility.
4. Economic Benefits:
• Cost Savings: Helps shrimp farmers reduce production costs by identifying the most efficient and nutritious feed formulations.
• Profit Increase: Improved feed efficiency can lead to healthier shrimp and higher yields, boosting profitability.
5. Nutritional Optimization:
• Enhanced Shrimp Health: Ensures shrimp receive a balanced diet with optimal nutritional content, including essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.
• Consumer Benefit: Results in healthier shrimp for consumers, potentially enhancing the market value of the product.
6. Innovative Research and Development:
• Advanced Biotechnology: Utilizes state-of-the-art biochemistry and biotechnology to explore and understand shrimp nutrition and digestive physiology.
• Product Improvement: Facilitates continuous improvement of aquafeed products through innovative research.
7. Feed Formulation Testing:
• Rapid Screening: Enables quick screening of various feed formulations to determine their suitability and effectiveness.
• Ingredient Validation: Assists in validating new feed ingredients and additives for their nutritional benefits and digestibility.
8. Veterinary and Nutraceutical Analysis:
• Medicine Efficacy: Evaluates the disintegration, stability, and absorption of veterinary medicines and nutraceuticals within the shrimp's digestive system
Applications
Similar to our start-up "Salmosim", we will provide a range of in-vitro experiments for salmon nutrition and health. ShrimpSim will supports the development of products for aquaculture with services designed for companies in the market of aquafeed nutrition, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and microbiome health of Shrimp. ShrimpSim will work in sector of the aquaculture industry for assessing and improving shrimp nutrition, health, and farming practices. The global shrimp market size is USD 40.35 billion. Shrimp consumption is increasing in popularity in the UK with the rise of pescatarians and flexitarians. There is increased awareness of the benefits of high-quality omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, consumers often demand sustainable seafood produced without over-fishing or reliance on unethical supply chains. For instance, the omega-3 fatty acid content of shrimp flesh is wholly dependent on the omega-3 content of the shrimp’s diet; yet algae oils rich in omega-3, may replace traditional fish oil when they are shown to be digestible by shrimp. Plant-based protein sources are an attractive replacement for animal protein in animal feeds, yet plant-based ingredients vary in terms of toughness and digestibility. The sustainable and affordable production of organic shrimp feeds requires the rapid testing of novel ingredients and new feed formulations to ensure an ethical and profitable future for the shrimp aquaculture industry.