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Research
 Shur-Gain
Research Activities in the Aquaculture Area
The main goal of Shur-Gain's research and development group is to make
the use of Shur-Gain feeds the most profitable choice in the
industry. Our studies are based in the Bay of Fundy using local
genetic strains.
The areas of activities in the aquaculture research are:
Ingredient quality
To ensure that only the best quality ingredients are used in our fish
feed, we continue to develop improved chemical, physical and biological
methods to assess and monitor the quality of our oil and protein
sources. We require our suppliers to provide us with highly
digestible fish, animal and plant products. In addition, we use labs such as
the Norwegian Herring Oil and Meal Industry Research Institute and other
labs to assess suppliers.
 Searching for alternative protein and fat
sources
Shur-Gain is at the forefront of research in developing cost-effective and efficient feeds that lessen the dependency on fishmeal, an expensive protein source with a limited supply worldwide. Shur-Gain is actively researching the use of alternative protein sources, which must be found to have no negative effects on the palatability, digestibility, protein quality and the growth performance of fish.
Improving Feed Efficiency
Optimization of the utilization of Amino Acids to improve feed
efficiency and reduce waste outputs in marine and freshwater salmonid fish
culture.
Development of a dynamic model of salmonid growth and nutritional
requirement
Shur-Gain research is at the forefront of animal modeling, with many years of experience in dairy and swine modeling for the prediction of energy and amino acid requirements, feeding strategies, and nutritional modulation to enhance product quality, in addition to feeding programs to improve animal health and reductions in environmental impacts. The salmon growth model, which can predict growth based on smolt size, water temperature, water quality, stocking density, and feed specifications, will also enhance the utilization of amino acids to improve feed efficiency and reduce waste outputs in marine and freshwater salmonid fish culture.
Developing special feeds to produce excellent flesh quality and prolong
its shelf life:
- Pre-harvest feed
- Transfer feed for Atlantic salmon smolts
Developing Feeds for New Aquatic Species
Shur-Gain has developed feeds for new species, which have been introduced to Canadian aquaculture such as Atlantic Halibut, Haddock, and Atlantic Cod.
Research Support
 Since
1937, our extensive research and development programs have
pursued research into major areas of animal nutrition and health.
The $7.5 million, 850 acre, state-of-the-art Shur-Gain Research Farm in
Burford, Ontario, which is dedicated to optimizing livestock and poultry
productivity and profitability is a statement of our commitment.
Behind every Shur-Gain product or program is a team dedicated to providing producers with the best. Dr. John Brennan leads our qualified research team of scientists, including six PhD's, a veterinarian, and six research technologists with various areas of discipline including Aquaculture, Dairy, swine, Poultry, and Chemistry. In addition, our research team includes a full time PhD research scientist specializing in NIR technology.
Our research and development capabilities in aquaculture are made
stronger by having our own fish Research Station in New Brunswick.
In addition we co-operate with the Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown;
the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Truro; the University of Guelph,
Ontario; and the National Research Council, Halifax. Shur-Gain has
three well-equipped analytical laboratories in St-Hyacinthe, Quebec;
Mississauga, Ontario; and St. Marys Ontario.
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