Kathrine Lunde, Product Manager in Skretting Norway, says, "We recommend feeding Protec Marine for three to four weeks in May-June. This is to improve fish health and their ability to resist infectious diseases during the months when the water temperatures are higher. Then we suggest feeding Protec Marine again, for about three weeks, as winter approaches and temperatures drop, usually November-December. This feeding period ensures the immune system is well prepared for the rigours of the coming cold months. Additionally, we recommend Protec Marine in advance of stressful events such as grading and moving, the onset of sexual maturity and if there is an infectious disease outbreak."
Protec Marine is based on Skretting’s popular Amber Marine grower feed, which provides protein as a combination of fishmeal and selected vegetable raw materials to deliver a good growth performance. The modifications implemented by Skretting to create Protec Marine are based on experience gained through the development and commercialisation of equivalent salmon feeds.
The active ingredients deliver benefits through four modes of effect. First, the immune system is supported by beta 1,3-1,6 glucans, which stimulate macrophage activity. The glucans enable the fish to respond faster to vaccination, to cope better as bacterial numbers rise with the rising water temperature and to withstand the effects of low winter temperatures. Second, Protec Marine contains Skretting’s unique blend of organic acids and plant extracts to stimulate gut health. Good digestion maximises the energy and nutrients the fish derive from the feed and a healthy gut is better able to resist invasion from pathogens that often enter via the gut wall. This is supported by the third mode, which optimises the gut micro-flora.
The final mode is a supply of anti-oxidants, including higher levels of vitamins C and E. These work on an intra-cellular level to mop up the free radicals generated by an immune system fighting an infection.