Research and development
As a commercial operation, the Tropic House Frutigen is carrying out various research projects, including fish farming, together with scientific partners, which pursue the following goals:
Investigation and optimisation of the best living conditions for our sturgeon breeding operation
Together with the Centre for Fish and Wildlife Medicine at the University of Bern (FIWI), the Tropic House Frutigen AG has provided the basic proof that the Siberian sturgeon can thrive in the warm mountain water from the Lötschberg tunnel, and that it is possible to carry out commercial breeding for the production of meat and caviar (KTI project) More about fish farming
Individual fish recognition with animal-friendly methods
Within the framework of a second KTI project, methods for an automatic recognition of individuals and „self sorting“ of the fish was developed, based on digital photography and image processing. Unlike conventional methods, this technique is less stressful and minimises the risk of injury to the fish, which is beneficial to the fish and can substantially increase the turnover and profit of the operation (KTI project).
Video (SF DRS "Einstein")
reports from research
report HiTech 03/2009 (german only)
Marketing of specialities from the region
With its unique products, the Tropic House Frutigen is predestined for the marketing of exclusive specialities from the region, thereby strengthening small businesses throughout the region (RegioPlus-project).
Replacement of fishmeal as sturgeon feed through the production of protein-rich raw materials from the region
Conventional fish feed is normally produced from fishmeal, which can no longer be supported for ecological and ethical reasons. Working together with regional agricultural producers, we are therefore trying to replace it with high-quality alternative proteins (RegioPlus project).
Eco-certification of the sturgeon breeding and fruit production
Through high-quality feed, species-appropriate animal husbandry and the consistent avoidance of the use of antibiotics, medication or chemical pesticides, we are aiming to receive an official Eco certification for sturgeon farming, which has not yet been defined (RegioPlus-project). More about fish farming
Scientific partners:
Centre for Fish and Wild Animal Medicine FIWI (University of Bern) Fachhochschule Burgdorf RegioPlus (Canton Bern) Frutigen municipality
