Vetagro, in collaboration with Canadian aquaculture CRO Onda, unveiled compelling results from a joint research initiative evaluating microencapsulated phytogenics for their efficacy against Yersinia ruckeri, a major pathogen in rainbow trout farming.
The study marks a significant milestone in the shift toward antibiotic alternatives in aquaculture, showcasing the potential of advanced feed additive technologies to mitigate disease and support fish welfare without compromising performance or palatability.
Yersinia ruckeri is a major challenge among producers, causing high mortality rates and reduced growth performance. It’s a persistent challenge to rainbow trout producers and makes for complicated disease management due to chronic infections and asymptomatic carriers.
Faced with mounting regulatory pressure and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, aquaculture producers worldwide are seeking effective, science-backed alternatives to traditional treatments. Vetagro’s microencapsulation platform offers a novel solution by protecting sensitive phytogenic compounds until they reach their site of action, thereby preserving their bioactivity and optimizing dosage efficiency.
“Vetagro was founded by a group of professors from the university with the strategic mission to transform scientific innovation into market-ready solutions,” said Ester Grilli, VP and head of Marketing and Innovation, Vetagro. “Here we are now in 2025 putting science and experience in microincapsulation at the service of the aquaculture sector.”
To rigorously validate their proprietary feed additive formulations, Vetagro partnered with Onda, whose extensive pathogen library and technical expertise in aquaculture disease models were instrumental in the success of the project.
Key findings were:
- Two microencapsulated phytogenic feed prototypes demonstrated statistically significant reductions in mortality due to Yersinia ruckeri by 26.3% and 29.3%, respectively, compared to control.
- Test feeds showed high acceptance rates among juvenile rainbow trout, confirming both palatability and application feasibility in commercial aquaculture systems.
- The results reinforce the viability of precision-encapsulated phytogenics as part of a proactive health management strategy for freshwater finfish producers.
“We’re proud to have partnered with Vetagro on this forward-thinking research,” said Myrna Gillis, CEO, Onda. “This work exemplifies how scientific collaboration drives innovation—translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions for aquaculture producers navigating growing sustainability and regulatory demands.”
The success of this research marks a critical advancement for natural, non-antibiotic feed additives in aquaculture.
