How much feed is needed to grow a farmed fish?

Fish and shrimp are extremely efficient in converting feed into high-quality protein. On average, farmed fish require 1.1 kg of feed to gain 1 kg of body mass, compared with 1.7 kg for poultry and 6.6 kg for cattle. 

Through a comprehensive understanding of the specific nutritional needs, Atlantic salmon is currently the most efficient animal to produce, with the lowest FCR. 

An illustration showing the feed conversion ratio between fish (1.2-.15), chicken (1.7-2.0), pigs (2.7-5.0) and cattle (4.0-5.0)

Efficient protein

Fish are the most efficient animal to produce, as the feed conversion ratio (FCR) is so low. FCR is the amount of feed an animal needs to gain one kilogram of body weight. 

Due to many years of research into the specific nutritional requirements, Atlantic salmon is now the most efficient animal to produce, with the lowest FCR. Typically Atlantic salmon needs 1.15 kg feed to gain 1 kg body weight. Pigs need more than twice as much food as salmon to gain 1 kg, while sheep need to eat almost six times as much. 

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Harvest yield

Fish also has a high harvest yield in comparison with other farmed animals. Harvest yield is the percentage of the animal left after inedible parts have been removed. For example, Atlantic salmon has a yield of an entire 68%. Chicken in comparison has a harvest yield of just 46%.

Edible portion of salmon vs land animals graphic

Frequent questions on feed

Is one feed sufficient for all aquaculture species?

No. Fish and shrimp, like humans, depend on a balanced diet to stay healthy and have different nutritional needs throughout their life cycle. Skretting produces feeds that support fish and shrimp throughout all life cycle and production needs. 

Learn more about fish and shrimp feed

How much feed is needed to grow a farmed fish?

Fish and shrimp are extremely efficient in converting feed into high-quality protein. On average, farmed fish require 1.1 kg of feed to gain 1 kg of body mass, compared with 1.7 kg for poultry and 6.6 kg for cattle. 

Learn more about feed conversion

Can efficient feed management help improve the sustainability of aquaculture?

Yes. Thanks to modern systems designed to support decision making relating to the diet of the fish or shrimp, farmers are able to optimise the amount of feed used, thereby improving efficiency while reducing waste and environmental impacts. 

Learn more about feeding

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