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 1.1kg of feed to gain 1 kg of body mass, compared with 1.7kg for poultry and 6.6kg 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. 

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 47%.

Edible portion of salmon vs land animals graphic

Making ponds more profitable for catfish farmers in Nigeria

Since 2015, we have partnered with Nutreco on the Catfish Sustainability Project (CSP) in Nigeria, working to enhance the production, profitability and environmental sustainability of catfish farming in the Ibadan region, while empowering small farmers to raise themselves out of poverty.

FAQs

Why choose farmed over wild fish?

Are farmed fish and shrimp healthy to eat?

Do salmon and trout feeds contain colouring?

What ingredients are in Skretting feeds?

Are the raw materials that Skretting uses in its feeds responsibly sourced?

Do feeds contain chemicals or preservatives dangerous to human health?

Are the animal by-products used in aquaculture feeds dangerous to human health?

Do feeds contain growth hormones or antibiotics?

What are fish meal and fish oil, and why are they used in aquaculture feeds?

Is low fish meal/fish oil content in feeds harmful to fish and shrimp?

Does Skretting use novel ingredients in its feeds?

What is ethoxyquin and is it safe?

Are circular economy principles applied to aquaculture feeds?

Is aquaculture sustainable?

Is aquaculture controlled?

Why is aquaculture important?

Why do aquaculture species grow quickly?

Are farms healthy environments for producing fish and shrimp?

How much wild fish is needed to feed farmed fish?

Are Skretting feeds sustainable?

Is it safe to eat farmed fish and shrimp?

How is Skretting contributing to feeding a growing global population?

Is one feed sufficient for all aquaculture species?

How much feed is needed to grow a farmed fish?

Can efficient feed management help improve the sustainability of aquaculture?