Lawrence Albright, Simon Fraser University
Biological Sciences
Professor Emeritus
Vancouver, British Columbia
albright@sfu.ca
Office:
(604) 626-6747
Expert In
Bio/Research
We have four main research themes. The first theme deals with the modulation of the non-specific and specific immune systems of cultured aquatic animals, primarily salmonid finfish. We are using natural products to stimulate these systems. Our earlier work has focussed on the use of natural B-1,3...
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Bio/Research
We have four main research themes. The first theme deals with the modulation of the non-specific and specific immune systems of cultured aquatic animals, primarily salmonid finfish. We are using natural products to stimulate these systems. Our earlier work has focussed on the use of natural B-1,3 glucans with B-1,6 glucose side chains added in the feed to stimulate the immune systems of salmonids and protect them from natural disease challenges, e.g. furunculosis, under commercial aquaculture conditions. We are currently investigating the use of another natural protein product for stimulating the immune systems of cultured finfish. This product, when added to feed at low concentrations, stimulates the immune system to give protection against bacterial diseases such as furunculosis.
The second theme deals with the use of natural organic products for modulating the growth of cultured salmonids. We are investigating the use of these natural products in feed for enhancing the flesh development of salmonids and suppressing reproductive development.
The third theme deals with anti-phytoplankton therapy of cultured finfish. We are studying the harmful and toxic modes of action of the phyto-plankters, Chaetoceros concavicornis and Heterosigma carterae respectively. Based upon our knowledge of these lethal modes of action, we are developing additives which can be administered to aquacultured finfish by the feed, such that these animals are protected against the harmful and toxic effects of these phytoplankters.
The fourth theme deals with the use of domestic chicken IgY immunoglobulins to protect cultured finfish and crustaceans against disease organisms. We are vaccinating chickens for certain aquatic animal diseases. From these vaccinated chickens the eggs that accumulate IgY immunoglobulins are collected and the yolk contents fed to cultured finfish and crustaceans to protect these aquatic animals from these disease organisms. This enabling technology is useful for protecting aquatic animals from certain diseases for which the aquatic animal cannot readily produce protective antibodies, yet the domestic chicken can do so.
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The second theme deals with the use of natural organic products for modulating the growth of cultured salmonids. We are investigating the use of these natural products in feed for enhancing the flesh development of salmonids and suppressing reproductive development.
The third theme deals with anti-phytoplankton therapy of cultured finfish. We are studying the harmful and toxic modes of action of the phyto-plankters, Chaetoceros concavicornis and Heterosigma carterae respectively. Based upon our knowledge of these lethal modes of action, we are developing additives which can be administered to aquacultured finfish by the feed, such that these animals are protected against the harmful and toxic effects of these phytoplankters.
The fourth theme deals with the use of domestic chicken IgY immunoglobulins to protect cultured finfish and crustaceans against disease organisms. We are vaccinating chickens for certain aquatic animal diseases. From these vaccinated chickens the eggs that accumulate IgY immunoglobulins are collected and the yolk contents fed to cultured finfish and crustaceans to protect these aquatic animals from these disease organisms. This enabling technology is useful for protecting aquatic animals from certain diseases for which the aquatic animal cannot readily produce protective antibodies, yet the domestic chicken can do so.
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