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Mathematical models in ¢sh nutrition have proven indispensable in estimating growth and feed requirements. Nowadays, reducing the environmental footprint and improving product quality of ¢sh culture operations are of increasing interest. This review starts by examining simple models applied to describe/predict ¢sh growth pro¢les and progresses towards more comprehensive concepts based on bioenergetics and nutrient metabolism. Simple growth models often lack biological interpretation and overlook fundamental properties of ¢sh (e.g. ectothermy, indeterminate growth). In addition, these models disregard possible variations in growth trajectory across life stages. Bioenergetic models have served to predict not only ¢sh growth but also feed requirements and waste outputs from ¢sh culture operations. However, bioenergetics is a concept based on energy-yielding equivalence of chemicals and has signi¢cant limitations. Nutrient-based models have been introduced into the ¢sh nutrition literature over the last two decades and stand as a more biologically sound alternative to bioenergetic models. More mechanistic models are required to expand current understanding about growth targets and nutrient utilization for biomass gain. Finally, existing models need to be adapted further to address e¡ectively concerns regarding sustainability, product quality and body traits.

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Split-thickness skin autografts (AGs) are the standard surgical treatment for severe burn injuries. However, the treatment of patients with substantial skin loss is limited by the availability of donor sites for skin harvesting. As an alternative to skin autografts, our research group developed autologous self-assembled skin substitutes (SASSs), allowing the replacement of both dermis and epidermis in a single surgical procedure. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical outcome of the SASSs as a permanent coverage for full-thickness burn wounds. Patients were recruited through the Health Canada's Special Access Program. SASSs were grafted on debrided full-thickness wounds according to similar protocols used for AGs. The graft-take and the persistence of the SASS epithelium over time were evaluated. 14 patients received surgical care with SASSs. The mean percentage of the SASS graft-take was 98 % (standard deviation = 5) at 5 to 7 d after surgery. SASS integrity persisted over time (average follow-up time: 3.2 years), without noticeable deficiency in epidermal regeneration. Assessment of scar quality (skin elasticity, erythema, thickness) was performed on a subset of patients. Non-homogeneous pigmentation was noticed in several patients. These results indicated that the SASS allowed the successful coverage of full-thickness burns given its high graft-take, aesthetic outcome equivalent to autografting and the promotion of long-term tissue regeneration. When skin donor sites are in short supply, SASSs could be a valuable alternative to treat patients with full-thickness burns covering more than 50 % of their total body surface area.