Projects

Physiology of farmed hybrid abalone

Kieren’s PhD investigated the metabolic physiology of hybrid abalone.

The primary goal was to determine the impact of dietary protein levels, protein sources and bio-active supplements on metabolic activity in farmed hybrid abalone at common culture temperatures. Additionally, the metabolic and gene expression responses of hybrid abalone will be evaluated under simulated summer temperature stress.

This project used intermittent flow respirometery and qPCR techniques to assist industry in making decisions on the composition of seasonal diets and to better understand the mechanisms of summer mortality and how diet and husbandry practices can prevent costly stock losses.