Trout studies seek superior strains growing on grains

摘要

At fish geneticist Ken Overturf's lab, research is indeed coming along swimmingly. Overturf, perhaps for the first time, has pinpointed families of captive rainbow trout that thrive on grain. This development could be a boon not only for fish farmers, but also for the environment. Most of today's trout feed relies on protein-rich fishmeal produced from marine species like anchovy, menhaden, jack mackerel or herring. But substituting grain for fishmeal could help reduce the threat of overfishing of these ocean resources. And since grain is a less expensive source of protein than fishmeal, grain-fed fish should be cheaper to raise. Today, feed is producers' biggest expense.