HAKI is implementing a multidisciplinary research work, to provide scientific basis for the development of sustainable aquaculture and agriculture systems, and for the responsible use and protection of aquatic resources. The major fields of research are: aquatic ecology; fish genetics and immunology; fish feeding and nutrition, aquaculture systems and irrigation.
HAKI has a RAS unit, one flow-through system, one experimental pond farms and a system for disease challenge. The recirculation systems have 100 m3 useful volume. The experimental pond station of HAKI is 5.8 ha, with pond’s surfaces between 150 and 3000 m2.
Name of the infrastructure: Indoor System for fish Disease Challenge (SDC)
Location: NAIK, HAKI, Szarvas, Hungary
Website address: www.haki.hu
Contact: László Ardo
Facilities
The SDC system is used for challenge tests with bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila) Water volume is of 8 m3. The system requires one month for being fully functional after starting. This system is flexible; fish keeping tanks can be replaced depending on size required. Water can be heated up to 30 oC and cooled. The system is mainly used for challenge and vaccination experiments, which require an experimental space separated from the other recirculation systems, where other experimental works have been carried out. In recent years, this system was used in national and international research projects (Eurocarp, Aquamax, Arraina, BARRA-09).
Services currently offered by the infrastructure
The facility is mainly used for challenge tests with bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila:
- Challenging (up to 100) half-, and full-sib families of common carp and other fish species to determine the most susceptible or resistant families to A. hydrophila bacteria
- Research trials on the effect of different feed additives (immuno-stimulant, vitamins, amino-and fatty acids, etc) and replacement of fish meal and oil in fish feeding on disease resistance
Modality of access
The infrastructural background is suitable for carrying out experiments in collaboration with our researchers or alone. In our system experiments can be realised with special needs such as special location or special equipment in the fields of immunology, genetics or nutrition etc. The institute ensures the user infrastructural base for the whole period of experiments e.g. laboratories, office with PC etc. for evaluations. As a result of these activities the new scientific results can be published in national or international journals and conferences. The typical user will prepare a working plan in advance to make sure that the planned research work can be adequately integrated into the schedule of this infrastructure. The typical experimental period vary between 4-12 weeks depending on the type of experiment and using experimental tanks for the research activities. During this period the user or user group will have full and access to the experimental tanks they use and work independently with the support of the institute’s staff.
The researchers of the institute will share their knowledge (on fish genetics, immunology, nutrition, aquaculture production, waste waters, irrigation and aquatic ecosystems) and practical experiences with the guest and also can help organising the logistics if it necessary.
Unit of Access
The unit of access is defined as 1 m3/week; equalling the occupation of 1 m3 standard fish holding unit for 7 days. One trial is expected to comprise all units of access as a suggested minimum (i.e. 26 x 0.25 m3 tanks for 12 weeks).