Richard Le Boucher, Ph.D.

Genetics of the utilization of feed containing vegetal origin components in the European sea bass and the rainbow trout

The mission was the standardization of an innovative oral challenge with pathogen Saprolegnia parasitica on brook trout (S. fontinalis) and rainbow trout (O. mykiss) juveniles.

Common fungus Saprolegnia parasitica is a “water mold” that infects fish eggs and fry of salmonids. With the banning of malachite green, the farming industry urgently needs new effective and inexpensive treatments. Some natural antifungal agents appeared efficient as cinnamaldehyde and were assessed in this project initiated by the SORDAC, the Université Laval and Université de Montréal.
In vitro:
_ Upgraded Saprolegnia parasitica production
_ Developed innovative experimental diets enriched with spores, hyphea or microencapsulated fungus
In vivo:
_ Designed and monitored oral challenges for trout juveniles
_ Designed and monitored alternative treatments trials

I joined a multidisciplinary training programme in the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department in Iloilo, Philippines. Missions of SEAFDEC AQD are research, technology creation, training and knowledge dissemination on a wide range of aquaculture disciplines (broodstock management, seed quality improvement, promotion of sustainable aquaculture).
_ Technical training in hatchery and grow-out production of abalone (Haliotis Asinina), asian seabass (Lates calcarifer), milkfish (Chanos chanos).
_ Designed and monitored trials on probiotics, antibiotics and additives efficiency in shrimp (Penaeus indicus and Penaeus monodon) hatcheries.
_ Designed and monitored trials on probiotics, antibiotics in crablets (Scylla serrata) production.
_ Initiated novel partnership between SEAFDEC and animal nutrition companies

The mission concerned the sale in shrimp farming of one of the leading probiotic in animal production. Registration was accepted in 2009. Bactocell became the first probiotic authorized for use in aquaculture in European Union.
_ Wrote the European registration form for zootechnical additive Bactocell® for shrimps.
_ Updated document based on new “Guidance for the evaluation of feed additives for authorisation under regulation 1831/2003/EC of the European parliament and of the council on additives for use in animal nutrition”
_ Gathered experimental data and knowledge from trials in China, Vietnam and India
_ Wrote and compiled studies about efficacity of the additive
_ Wrote and compiled studies about safety of the additive
_ Took part in monitoring efficacity trials based in Ifremer Laboratory, New Caledonia

Creation of "Le Médytour" association, a project on aquaculture production in 13 countries along the Mediterranean Sea, associated to scientific projects dealing with the global warming consequences.

_ Gathered 20 farms and 3 research teams as partners
_ Gathered sponsors and supports (budget app. 15000 euros)

Summer internship in the marine biology department.
_ Studies on fish parasitology, with an emphasis on the Three-spined Stickleback (Gasterostreus aculeatus).
_ Laboratory work, wild samplings and statistical analysis.