NEWS 112 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2026 Benchmark Genetics launched a new research and innovation project, LuseLess, in collaboration with the Norwegian research institute Nofima. The project addresses a major biological challenge in Atlantic salmon farming: sea lice. Funded by NOK 10 million from the Research Council of Norway through an Innovation Project in Industry (IPN), LuseLess will run from January 2026 to December 2027. The project aims to develop new, scalable genetic tools that enable Atlantic salmon to better resist sea lice through selective breeding. Sea lice remain a major constraint on fish welfare, production efficiency and sustainability in salmon aquaculture. While the industry has developed a wide range of operational and technological measures to manage lice levels, long-term solutions may increasingly rely on fish that are more resilient. LuseLess builds on an evolving approach that places greater emphasis breeding salmon with improved biological resistance. The project builds on insights from previous research from the project CrispResist, showing that Pacific salmon species possess cellular and genetic mechanisms that either reduce lice attachment or eliminate lice early after infection. By applying this knowledge to Atlantic salmon, the project seeks to identify new resistance phenotypes that can be incorporated into commercial breeding programmes. Read more>> Ecolex Animal Nutrition’s “Partnering for Progress: South Asia” workshop, held in Bangkok on 19–20 January 2025, brought together distribution partners from across the region, along with consultants and collaborators active in animal agriculture. The event focused on partnership models, technical exchange, and approaches to sustainable innovation in the sector. Referencing the importance of collaboration in addressing complex challenges, Ecolex outlined its intention to expand its role beyond the supply of feed additives toward a broader partnership-based approach. The company highlighted cross-sector cooperation as a key element in developing integrated solutions for animal agriculture. “Ecolex recognizes it cannot address every animal health component of One Health alone. By teaming with specialized leaders in the critical One Health areas of farm management and biosecurity and hygiene, we seek to create integrated, real-world solutions that enhance farm efficiency, reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and promote sustainable practices. We are proud to foster these vital partnerships that advance the livestock sector,” said Edward Manchester, Global Commercial Director at Ecolex. “Ecolex looks forward to formalizing these strategic partnerships in the near future that will offer not just products, but solutions, including training programs and testing services,” noted Manchester. “We aim to deliver comprehensive solutions, creating real long-term value for our distribution partners and their customers across South Asia and beyond.” Read more>> Benchmark Genetics and Nofima partner for sea lice resistance Ecolex highlights partnership-based approach at South Asia workshop Photo: Benchmark Genetics and Nofima Photo: Ecolex Animal Nutrition
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