Virtual tour to salmon farming

The feed accounts for approximately half of the operating expenses experienced by the fish farming industry. The quality of the feed, and how it is used (feeding regime) is, therefore, of crucial importance. The feed and feeding regime may influence growth rate, gain per kg feed eaten (feed conversion ratio), loads of organic matter to the environment, susceptibility to diseases, etc.

Fish may be given different types of feed according to their size, the season of the year, the water temperature and their rate of growth. Fish feed consists of fish oil, vegetable oils, fish meal, vegetable protein sources, vitamins, minerals, additives and binders (most often wheat) to keep the feed together.

The appetite of the fish may vary due to a number of factors such as feed quality, temperature, oxygen content, predators, etc. Feeding in order to ensure good growth and feed utilisation efficiency may, therefore, be quite a challenge.