Qardio
Circulation enhancer

Qardio

Qardio circulation enhancer

Qardio circulation enhancer

Qardio is a unique feed concept for reinforcing cardiac health and the circulation through the application of new knowledge regarding preventative nutrition. Taking as its starting point comprehensive research into the effect krill has on fat metabolism and the immune defence system, BioMar has developed a feed that reinforces both the heart and the circulatory system in salmon.

More frequent handling, increased stress and reduced gill health lead to an increased need for oxygen and greater demands for compensation from the circulatory system. Under-dimensioned hearts and cardiovascular systems damaged by infectious diseases such as HSMI and CMS can result in circulatory failure and heart rupture, and the prevention of these conditions would naturally have a positive effect on fish health and survival.

Preventative nutrition for improved circulation

Preventative nutrition for improved circulation

Like people, salmon are designed to move, and both physical activity and correct diet are preconditions for good circulatory health and cardiac capacity. A high intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids has proved to be associated with beneficial effects on the heart, sight and immune function, for example.

The two most important and best-documented omega-3 fatty acids are EPA and DHA. These long-chain fatty acids can only be produced by marine organisms, while short omega-3 fatty acids – such as Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) – may stem from plants. Even though ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid, its effect can in no way be compared to those of EPA and DHA. Adding EPA and DHA to the diet therefore has a key role to play in ensuring optimal health – among people and salmon alike.

Effect on the heart

Effect on the heart

Cardiovascular and circulatory health in salmon can be mapped in a swimming tunnel by measuring maximum heart rate and oxygen intake.

  • Nofima has developed a swimming tunnel known as ‘The Flume’, where fish can swim at increasing speeds to the point of exhaustion.
  • Here, we have measured cardiac capacity and endurance, and have documented the effect of Qardio.

The swimming tunnel is a kind of treadmill for fish, and it is used to perform endurance tests involving measuring heart rate and oxygen consumption. This provides a good image of the health and performance level of salmon in the same way as for people.

Increased capacity and endurance

Increased capacity and endurance

Both in controlled tests of this kind and in field tests, Qardio has proved to contribute to increased cardiac capacity, reduced virus presence and associated damage to cardiac muscles, as well as a drop in mortality in connection with HSMI (infection tests + field). 

In addition, fish fed with Qardio have a higher omega-3/omega-6 ratio in their vital organs, including their hearts.

  • We have also measured larger hearts (cardiac index) and thicker heart muscles.
  • Moreover, salmon show increased endurance (swimming capacity) at lower levels of EPA and DHA, as well as greater growth.

Nutrition that supports tissue restitution and reduces reaction to infection also provides beneficial effects equivalent to exertion. In addition, Links have been established between physical activity and nutrition; for example, taking EPA and DHA supplements in combination with exertion will have a positive effect on health. This type of relationship opens up a new and fascinating field of research.

Effect on HSMI and CMS

Effect on HSMI and CMS

Effect on HSMI and CMS

Viral infections that affect the heart constitute one of the biggest challenges facing the farming of salmon today. HSMI and CMS cause financial losses in the sector, through increased mortality and reduced growth, for example. According to the annual fish health reports from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, occurrences of both these illnesses have risen steadily in recent years.

Photo: Trygve Poppe Photo: Trygve Poppe
Inflammation

Inflammation

HSMI is one of the most widespread illnesses in Norway, and is generally associated with the presence of Piscine orthoreovirus (PRV). This leads to inflammation and tissue damage in several organs, but cardiac and skeletal muscles are particularly susceptible.

Ill fish mean losses for fish farmers on account of reduced growth. In many cases, HSMI also results in increased mortality due to operational stress.

Heart rupture

Heart rupture

Also known as ‘heart rupture’ Cardiomyopathy Syndrome (CMS) is caused by a totivirus that infects the cardiac muscles, leading to inflammation. This, in turn, destroys tissue, which results in a risk of the cardiac wall rupturing when subjected to increased load as in the case of operational stress. CMS often affects large fish approaching harvest maturity and is therefore associated with major financial losses for the fish farmers affected.

EPA and DHA help prevent

EPA and DHA help prevent

Tests have revealed that the severity of the clinical manifestations can be linked to the level of inflammation in the tissue. Fish are less able to withstand stress, which makes them less able to deal with aspects of handling such as relocation, sorting and treatment for lice. There are no medicines to combat these illnesses, and so the current approaches to dealing with them consist of prevention and attempting to limit the damage.

Research suggests that both physical activity and nutrition affect the capacity of the fish to withstand illness, and we have found clear indications that correct nutrition with increased access to the long-chain fatty acids EPA and DHA that are to be found in Qardio make the fish more resistant to viral illnesses such as HSMI and CMS.

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