2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Investigate the immunological reaction of salmon to soybean inclusion feeds will be investigated. The information will be used to design non-allergenic versions of the immunologically reactive protein that may be used to evaluate the potential for immunotherapy to increase soy utilization in salmon feed. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Characterize the immunological response of salmon to soybean feed. Identify low cross-reactivity legume proteins- reagents for immunotherapy. Develop hypoallergenic protein variants for immunotherapy tests. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between ARS and FAS. Additional details of this research can be found in the report for the parent project 3622-21000-028-00D, "Genetic Enhancement of Soybean Seed Value by Biotechnology." This grant provides support for ARS research efforts in collaboration with a Univ. of Oslo, Norway scientist in a research program to examine the causes of feed intolerance in farmed salmon that results from the inclusion of soybean meal and to design approaches to mitigate the adverse effects of soybean. Soybean protein has been identified by the aquaculture industry as a desirable protein substitute for wild-capture origin fishmeal that is a limited and declining resource. The FAS grant funds a three-year project supporting scientist transportation and limited research expenses. The initial phase of the project is characterizing the adverse response to soybean. The primary lesion of the salmon is in the distal intestine with small amounts of soybean-inclusion feed inducing massive disorganization resulting in poor growth. The initial experiments completed of feeding salmon soy-inclusion feed and controls generated an experimental sample. The ARS partner participated in harvesting the experimental fish at the Norwegian aquaculture site and dissecting intestinal samples some of which were returned to the ARS laboratory. The experimental and control intestinal samples were analyzed by proteomics with soybean feed induced changes characterized an identified. The importance and impact of this result is that the resulting data yields indicators that provide a means to measure success of using altered soybeans as a specialty protein inclusion in salmon feed. If part or the entire wild capture fishmeal could be substituted by soybean this would provide a less expensive and renewable product for US export that provides large-scale positive environmental benefits. The ADODR has maintained monitored progress and conducted joint research activities. This includes two visits during this reporting period to Norway for the purpose of sample collection and discussions. Further discussions occurred with the Norwegian partner at the World Aquaculture meeting. Additional discussions and exchanges have been accomplished by email.