The science behind QUANTIDOC & Veribarr!
The science is based on disciplines such as biology, immunology, histology, stereology, mathematics, statistics, nutrition, chemistry, stress factors, machine learning, and experimental design.
QuantiDoc's innovative barrier health solutions are built on a foundation of advanced scientific research and expertise
The Science
Veribarr, our diagnostic tool for monitoring the health of mucus barriers in fish, is a testament to the scientific rigour and innovation that underpins QuantiDoc's approach.
Veribarr works by analyzing measurements of the mucus barrier in fish, which is an essential component of the fish immune system and plays a critical role in protecting fish from disease and other environmental stressors. By monitoring the health of the mucus barrier in fish, Veribarr provides early warning of changes in barrier health that can be an indicator of disease and mortality risk in fish farming.
The mucus protects in three ways:
A physical barrier - even just a few hundred millimetres is sufficient to protect.
A magazine for dozens of antimicrobial components that kill viruses, bacteria and fungi.
A natural substrate for the good microflora that the fish need to survive
Weakened mucus barriers are clearly correlated to weak growth and increased mortality.
The Science
The development of Veribarr involved the integration of multiple scientific disciplines, including biology, immunology, histology, stereology, mathematics, statistics, nutrition, chemistry, stress factors, machine learning, and experimental design. By combining these areas of expertise, we were able to develop a tool that provides accurate and reliable measurements of fish barrier health and helps our customers achieve their production objectives.
QuantiDoc's database of over 15,000 measurements of fish barrier health, taken from a variety of species in different regions around the world, is a critical resource that enables us to provide tailored solutions to our customers. Our database provides a reference for assessing the health of farmed fish and comparing it with healthy wild fish, allowing us to develop more accurate and effective barrier health solutions for fish farming.
At QuantiDoc, we are dedicated to using the latest scientific methods and technologies to improve fish health and productivity, and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable global food supply.
The benefits of monitoring the mucous membranes
Mortality
Mucosal mapping can reduce mortality rates in fish farming by detecting diseases and environmental stressors early on. This can result in improved survival rates, reduced economic losses, and increased profitability. Additionally, reduced mortality can lead to improved brand value by demonstrating a commitment to producing high-quality and healthy fish.
Diseases
Mucosal mapping can help identify diseases early on, enabling farmers to take prompt action to prevent the spread of diseases throughout the fish population. This can reduce the need for antibiotics/medicine and other chemicals, leading to improved environmental sustainability and reduced operational costs
Increased biomass value
Mucosal mapping can lead to improved fish health, resulting in higher quality and more valuable biomass. This can increase the overall value of the fish farming operation, leading to improved market shares and access to markets
Operational Cost
Mucosal mapping can help reduce operational costs in fish farming by optimizing feed management, lice removal operations and reduction in the use of medications. This can result in improved profitability and shareholder value.
Increased productivity
Healthy fish grow faster and are more resistant to stress and disease. By monitoring the mucous membrane and taking proactive measures to maintain fish health, farmers can increase productivity and profitability.
Improved fish health
The mucous membrane serves as a protective barrier for fish, preventing the entry of pathogens and other harmful substances. Monitoring the mucous membrane can help farmers ensure that their fish are healthy and able to withstand environmental stressors
Exactly how does this work in practice?
Objective indicator of robustness
Based on 5-10 representative samples from a fish group, Quantidoc uses its technology to provide an objective indicator of robustness. The results predict the fish's robustness and its potential for further development and growth.
Objective target number
Mucosal mapping can help reduce operational costs in fish farming by optimizing feed management, lice removal operations and reduction in the use of medications. This can result in improved profitability.
The core science behind
In its research and development, QuantiDoc relies on disciplines such as biology, immunology, histology, stereology, mathematics, statistics, nutrition, chemistry, stress factors, and machine learning The combination of these areas was a prerequisite for the development, testing and operation of the operable diagnosis tool Veribarr™
The method is now used on 13 species
The method is now used on 13 species globally, on 3 types of mucus barriers (skin, gills, intestines). The measurements are compared with other previous measurements in our database
The database and comparisons
QuantiDoc has built up a comprehensive database of barrier measurements from wild fish. The database consists of approximately 14,000 measurements - and allows QuantiDoc to compare the health status of farmed fish with healthy wild fish
Sampling and measurement methods
We have developed standardized sampling and measurement methods for skin, gills and intestines. Sampling can easily be done by fish health professionals or people at the facility. Quantidoc can assist with training if needed.
