The science behind VERIBARR™
VERIBARR™ is based on disciplines such as biology, immunology, histology, stereology, mathematics, statistics, nutrition, chemistry, stress factors and machine learning.
Fish Physiology and Mucosal Biology
Veribarr's scientific foundation is rooted in a deep understanding of fish physiology and mucosal biology. Fish possess a unique mucosal barrier that serves as their first line of defense against external threats. This barrier comprises mucus-secreting cells that form a protective layer on the skin and gills, playing a critical role in preventing the entry of pathogens, parasites, and environmental stressors. The VERIBARR™ technology takes into account the intricacies of fish physiology and mucosal biology to accurately assess the health and integrity of the mucosal barrier. By studying the underlying physiological processes, Veribarr provides valuable insights into the overall health status of fish and enables targeted interventions to support their well-being.
Advanced Image Analysis Techniques
Veribarr incorporates advanced image analysis techniques to quantitatively measure the area and density of mucus cells. The technology utilizes specialized imaging equipment and algorithms that process microscopic images of the mucus layer. These algorithms detect and analyze individual mucus cells, enabling precise measurements. The sophisticated image analysis techniques employed by Veribarr ensure accurate and objective assessment of the mucosal barrier's condition. This allows fish farmers to monitor changes in mucus cell characteristics and identify potential issues at an early stage, empowering them to take proactive measures to maintain fish health.
Data Interpretation and Actionable Insights
Data interpretation is a crucial aspect of Veribarr's scientific fundamentals. Quantidoc's team of experts possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise in analyzing Veribarr data, interpreting the results, and providing actionable insights to fish farmers. By combining the quantitative measurements from Veribarr with their scientific acumen, the team can offer meaningful interpretations of the mucosal status and its implications for fish health. They can identify patterns, trends, and deviations from normal conditions, helping fish farmers make informed decisions about necessary interventions. The ability to transform Veribarr data into actionable insights enables farmers to implement targeted measures to maintain optimal fish barrier health, mitigate risks, and foster sustainable growth in the fish farming industry.
Through the combination of expertise in fish physiology, mucosal biology, advanced image analysis, and data interpretation, Veribarr offers a scientifically robust and comprehensive solution for monitoring and maintaining fish barrier health. The deep understanding of these scientific fundamentals empowers Quantidoc's team to provide accurate assessments and actionable insights to fish farmers, contributing to the sustainable and responsible development of the fish farming industry.
Publications and validations
This section will provide you with deeper insight into the science behind VERIBARR™ and the work we do in QUANTIDOC
VERIBARR™ - The science behind
Veribarr™ is an operational tool to understand how the fish immune system reacts to production routines, environment and other factors in fish farming systems. The outcome of applying Veribarr™ is to specify challenges and control health and growth within the biomass. Since the slimy barriers of skin, gills and guts are made of living cells, these are always in negotiation with the microbiome and with the environment.
If negotiations break down, disease and mortality ensue. Veribarr™ gives unbiased support to operational decisions across species, time and systems. As an example, Veribarr™ can distinguish between the effects of single additives to either fishmeal, algal or plant-based diets. Further,
Veribarr™ can show whether the skin has been depleted by repetitive handling and can no longer deliver mucosal protection; whether the diet has challenged the foundation of robust health or whether pathogens have already triggered an immune response. The sensitivity of Veribarr™ can detect significant changes to the gills in response to water quality, particles and pathogens – even when the gills appear to look fine.
Key Points:
Veribarr measures mucosal barrier activity for disease protection.
Veribarr is a standardized and quantitative tool for result comparison.
It employs a semi-automated digital analysis for mucosal cell quantification.
Veribarr Grid is a comprehensive database for sample comparison.
Veribarr provides operational benefits by enhancing fish health and optimizing production routines.
Dietary mannan oligosaccharides in soybean oil and fish oil diets
The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of 4 g kg−1 dietary mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) inclusion in soybean oil (SBO)- and fish oil (FO)-based diets on the gut health and skin mucosa mucus production of European sea bass juveniles after 8 weeks of feeding.
Key points:
Dietary mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) in soybean oil (SBO) and fish oil (FO) diets promote growth in European sea bass juveniles.
SBO reduces intestinal fold length, while MOS increases it.
Gene expression related to immune response is affected by dietary oil sources and MOS supplementation.
Addition of MOS to SBO diets increases mucous cell size but reduces density in the anterior gut.
MOS helps maintain immune homeostasis in the gut, but complete replacement of FO by SBO negatively affects gut morphology and fish growth.
Nutrient digestibility, growth, mucosal barrier status, and activity of leucocytes from head kidney of Atlantic salmon fed marine- or plant-derived protein and lipid sources
The study investigated the effects of different diets on nutrient digestibility, growth, and mucosal barrier status in Atlantic salmon. Five experimental feeds were used, including those based on marine or plant-derived ingredients. The results showed that fish-fed plant-based diets had compromised barrier status in the intestine and lower expression of mucin genes. Additionally, the diets affected the counts and function of head kidney leukocytes. The study suggests that plant-based diets can alter the gut barrier status and calls for further research to refine ingredient composition for healthy diets.
Key points:
Nutrient digestibility, growth, and mucosal barrier status in Atlantic salmon were studied with different diets.
Fish-fed plant-based diets had compromised barrier status and lower expression of mucin genes in the intestine.
Head kidney leukocyte counts and function was affected by the diets.
Plant-based diets can alter the gut barrier status in two ways: reducing mucous cell sizes or increasing the volumetric density of mucous cells.
Further research is needed to refine ingredient composition for sustainable and healthy diets.
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) mounts systemic and mucosal stress responses to peracetic acid
Peracetic acid (PAA) is a sustainable disinfectant in aquaculture, but its effects on fish health are not well understood. This study investigated the stress responses of Atlantic salmon to PAA exposure. The fish showed robust adaptive responses to different PAA doses and exposure times, as well as combined exposure to stress and PAA. The cortisol levels increased after exposure and returned to baseline levels. Prior exposure to PAA did not significantly affect plasma lactate and glucose levels during re-exposure. Crowding stress before PAA treatment altered some stress indicators. The antioxidant system in the gills was more responsive to PAA than in the skin. Overall, these results suggest that salmon can effectively cope with PAA exposure, supporting its potential as a chemotherapeutic in aquaculture.
Key Points:
Peracetic acid is a sustainable disinfectant in aquaculture.
Atlantic salmon showed robust adaptive responses to different PAA doses and exposure times.
Cortisol levels increased after PAA exposure and returned to baseline levels.
Prior exposure to PAA did not significantly affect plasma lactate and glucose levels during re-exposure.
Crowding stress before PAA treatment altered some stress indicators.
Body site matters: an evaluation and application of a novel histological methodology on the quantification of mucous cells in the skin of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
A novel histological methodology was used to evaluate mucous cells in the skin of Atlantic salmon. The study found that mucous cell size and density varied significantly depending on the body site. The dorsolateral skin had the highest density and largest cells, while the head had the lowest density and smallest cells. The study also revealed that factors such as decalcification, embedding medium, and section orientation affected mucous cell size. Additionally, sex, diet, strain, and season influenced mucous cell development. The findings highlight the importance of considering body site and other factors when studying mucous cells in fish.
Key Points:
Mucous cell size and density in Atlantic salmon skin were evaluated using a novel histological methodology.
The study showed significant variations in mucous cell size and density depending on the body site.
The dorsolateral skin had the highest mucous cell density and largest cells, while the head had the lowest density and smallest cells.
Factors such as decalcification, embedding medium, and section orientation had significant impacts on mucous cell size.
Sex, diet, strain, and season influenced the development of mucous cells in salmon skin.
Novel method for quantifying salmonid mucous cells
This paper introduces a new method to quantify skin components and mucous cells in salmonids. Mucus acts as a defense system, protecting fish from infection and injury. Mucus secretion is influenced by nutrition. The authors propose a quantitative approach to assess mucous cell distribution in Atlantic salmon. The study compares tangential and transverse slicing methods and staining techniques, finding that tangential slicing simplifies mucous cell identification and reduces analytical workload. The method lays the groundwork for investigating mucosal interactions and fish health in teleosts.
Key Points:
Mucus production in fish protects against infections and injuries.
Mucous cells contain bioactive components with antimicrobial properties.
Quantifying mucous cells in salmonids is challenging due to their non-uniform distribution.
A novel stereology-based method for the quantification of skin components and mucous cells is proposed.
Tangential slicing allows for easier identification of mucous cells and reduces the amount of work needed for analysis.
Mucosal immune and stress responses of Neoparamoeba perurans-infected Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) treated with peracetic acid shed light on the host-parasite-oxidant interactions
This scientific study investigates the effects of peracetic acid (PAA) treatment on Atlantic salmon affected by amoebic gill disease (AGD). The study examines behavioral changes, mortality rates, biochemical markers, transcriptome profiles, mucous cell parameters, and stress responses in treated fish. Results show that PAA treatment did not fully resolve AGD but influenced mucosal immune and stress responses. The study contributes to understanding host-parasite-treatment interactions in AGD research.
Key Points:
PAA treatment impacts behavioral changes and post-treatment mortality in AGD-affected fish.
Liver health is affected by AGD, but PAA treatment does not worsen infection-related changes.
Transcriptome profiling reveals significant changes in immune pathways and protein synthesis triggered by AGD and PAA treatments.
Mucous cell parameters increase after treatment, especially in AGD-affected fish, with some effects influenced by PAA dose.
Infection and treatments induce oxidative stress, with dysregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased antioxidant production in infected fish.
Morphometric alterations in the skin mucosa of Atlantic salmon after exposure tomperacetic acid based disinfectant
This study investigated the effects of peracetic acid (PAA) on the skin mucosa of Atlantic salmon. Fish were exposed to three therapeutic concentrations of PAA-based disinfectant: 0, 0.6, and 2.4 ppm. The study found that PAA caused morphomolecular alterations in the skin mucosa of Atlantic salmon, including changes in the number and size of mucous cells and an increase in apoptosis. The results suggest that PAA may have negative physiological impacts on fish health.
Investigated effects of peracetic acid on skin mucosa of Atlantic salmon
Fish exposed to three therapeutic concentrations of PAA-based disinfectant
PAA caused morphomolecular alterations in skin mucosa, including changes in mucous cells and increase in apoptosis -
Results suggest negative physiological impacts on fish health -
Study highlights need for further research into alternative disinfectants for aquaculture
Stress hos oppdrettet berggylte undertransport og overføring til merd (Norwegian only)
Studien undersøkte stressresponsen hos oppdrettet berggylte under transport og overføring til merder. Resultatene viser forskjellige stressresponser avhengig av transportmetode og miljøforhold. Slimcellestatus og plasmakortisol ble brukt som mål på fiskens toleranse overfor endringer. Dette bidrar til bedre forståelse for fiskevelferd og overlevelse i merder.
Hovedfunn:
Studien undersøkte stressresponsen hos oppdrettet berggylte under transport og overføring til merder.
Primær stressrespons (kortisol) og slimcellestatus ble brukt som mål på endringer i fiskens toleranse overfor miljøendringer.
Forskjellige transportmetoder og miljøforhold ble sammenlignet for å bedre forstå fiskevelferd og overlevelse i merder.
Resultatene viste forskjellige stressresponser avhengig av transportmetode og miljøforhold.
Studien bidrar til økt kunnskap om berggyltens toleranse for transport og miljøendringer, og kan hjelpe med å forbedre fiskevelferd i oppdrettsanlegg.
Stress hos rognkjeks etter transport og overføring til merd (Norwegian only)
Studien undersøker stressnivået hos rognkjeks etter transport og overføring til merder. Studien bruker forskjellige stressindikatorer og fokuserer på skinnhelse som et mål på fiskevelferd. Resultatene viser moderate stressnivåer etter transport, lavere enn tidligere observasjoner. Det er en sammenheng mellom stressnivået og dødelighet etter utsett i merd, men andre faktorer som driftsforhold og miljøsituasjoner i merden påvirker også dødeligheten. Skinnhelsen viste forskjeller mellom gruppene og sammenheng med ionebalanse. Videre forskning er nødvendig for å forstå responsen på spesifikke miljø- og stressfaktorer.
KHovedfunn:
Moderat stressnivå hos rognkjeks etter transport til merd, lavere enn tidligere observasjoner.
Sammenheng mellom stressnivået og dødelighet etter utsett i merd, men også andre faktorer påvirker dødeligheten.
Skinnhelse viser forskjeller mellom gruppene og er knyttet til ionebalanse.
Skinnhelse kan være en robust indikator på fiskevelferd, men videre forskning er nødvendig.
Strategien bør være å unngå utsett av rensefisk i perioder med høyt lusepress og prioritere tidlig utsett når lusetallene er lave.
Dynamic morphometrics of mucous cells reveal the minimal impact of therapeutic doses of peracetic acid on Atlantic salmon gill health
This open access article examines the response of Atlantic salmon gills to peracetic acid (PAA), a disinfectant and chemotherapeutant used in aquaculture. The study uses Mucosal Mapping and histopathological scoring strategies to show that therapeutic doses of PAA have minimal impact on gill health. The findings provide valuable insights for the aquaculture industry and contribute to the scientific understanding of mucous cells and their response to environmental changes.
Key points:
Examines Atlantic salmon gill response to peracetic acid
Uses Mucosal Mapping and histopathological scoring strategies
Shows minimal impact of therapeutic doses of PAA on gill health
Provides insights for the aquaculture industry
Contributes to scientific understanding of mucous cells
Histological mucous cell quantification and mucosal mapping reveal different aspects of mucous cell responses in gills and skin of shorthorn sculpins
This article discusses a study on histological mucous cell quantification and mucosal mapping in shorthorn sculpins. The study aimed to compare the traditional histological quantification of mucous cells with a novel mucosal mapping method to understand the differences between the two methods' assessment of mucous cell responses to parasitic infections and pollution exposure.
Key Points:
Mucosal mapping is a more accurate method for quantifying mucous cells than traditional histological methods.
Parasitic infections and pollution exposure can have different effects on mucous cell responses in the gills and skin of shorthorn sculpins.
Mucous cell responses in the gills and skin of shorthorn sculpins are complex and multifaceted.
A better understanding of various MC quantification methods is critical to interpreting MC responses.
This study provides valuable insights into the different aspects of mucous cell responses in shorthorn sculpins.
Mucous cell responses to contaminants and parasites in shorthorn sculpins from a former lead‑zinc mine in West Greenland
This study investigated the mucous cell responses of shorthorn sculpins to contaminants and parasites in a former lead-zinc mine in West Greenland. The skin and gill mucosal epithelia of the fish were significantly affected by environmental heavy metals and parasites. The size of skin mucous cells was the smallest in fish from the least contaminated site with the highest skin parasite load. Gill filament mucous cells were the largest and densest in fish from the most contaminated site. In gill lamellae, the density of mucous cells followed a toxicity gradient. These findings provide valuable insights into the health and well-being of shorthorn sculpins in contaminated environments.
Key points:
Study on mucous cell responses of shorthorn sculpins to contaminants and parasites -
Skin and gill mucosal epithelia are significantly affected by heavy metals and parasites -
The size of skin mucous cells is smallest in the least contaminated site with the highest parasite load
Gill filament mucous cells largest and densest in most contaminated site
Density of gill lamellae mucous cells followed the toxicity gradient
Forebyggende ernæring mot lus på laks (Norwegian only)
Aller Aqua Norway AS har gjennomført et prosjekt i samarbeid med Biofeed for å utvikle en mineralingrediens (Biofeed Forte) som kan redusere lusesmitte på laks. Forsøk på regnbueørret har vist effekter av BF-fôr på lusetall, men lignende effekter ble ikke observert på laks. Målet med prosjektet var derfor å optimalisere ingrediensen for bedre effekt mot lus på laks. Forsøkene har vist interessante funn relatert til lusetall og skinnhelse, som kan danne grunnlag for videre studier.
Hovedfunn:
Aller Aqua Norway har samarbeidet med Biofeed for å utvikle en mineralingrediens mot lusesmitte på laks.
Forsøk på regnbueørret har vist effekter av BF-fôr på lusetall, men ikke på laks.
Prosjektet hadde som mål å optimalisere ingrediensen for bedre effekt mot lus på laks.
Forsøkene har vist interessante funn knyttet til lusetall og skinnhelse hos fisk fôret med BF-fôr.
Resultatene kan være grunnlag for videre studier om effekter av fôringredienser på skinnhelse og lusetall hos laks og regnbueørret.
Database of over 15,000 measurements
VERIBARR™ has been developed over a decade of research and testing by Quantidoc, a leading Norwegian biotech company. The system is backed by a database of over 15,000 measurements covering 13 different fish species, ensuring that the solution is tailored to the specific needs of each customer.
The VERIBARR™ solution is the industry standard for verifying and maintaining the health and robustness of fish mucosal barriers and has been instrumental in improving the quality and sustainability of fish farming worldwide.
Let us help keep your stock robust & healthy.
At QUANTIDOC, we understand the critical importance of healthy and strong frontline barriers for the success and sustainability of any farming operation. With our advanced VERIBARR™ solution, we provide early warnings of the frontline barrier status and enable you to take proactive measures to prevent diseases and mortality before they occur.
Don't leave the health and well-being of your fish stock to chance. Partner with Quantidoc, implement VERIBARR™ and take advantage of our expertise and cutting-edge technology to ensure the long-term success and profitability of your operation.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep your stock robust and healthy.
Contact us
Thank you for your interest in QUANTIDOC and VERIBARR™. We're here to answer any questions you may have about our services, provide more information, or schedule a consultation. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us using the contact form. We'll get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can email us directly or call us
Dag Nesfossen (CEO)
dn@quantidoc.com
+47 958 44 252
Thormøhlensgate 53b
5006 Bergen
NORWAY