Achieving optimal growth and performance in fish and shrimp farming begins with providing a tailored, extruded diet formulated specifically for the species and life stage being cultivated. From lifestart diets to grower diets, the nutritional needs vary significantly, making it essential to choose feeds that meet these specific requirements.

• All growing animals, including fish and shrimp, have daily nutrient requirements for basic body maintenance. These nutrients fuel essential processes such as respiration, digestion, and cell renewal. Any surplus nutrients beyond maintenance needs can be utilized for growth, defined as a lean increase in body weight, ideally in protein-rich muscle tissue, such as fish fillets.
• However, there is a limit to daily growth, directly correlated with the animal's appetite. Once fish or shrimp reach their optimal nutrient intake for the moment, they will cease eating, regardless of feed availability. Feeding beyond this satiation point does not enhance growth; instead, it leads to feed wastage and pollution.
•  Overfeeding increases the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) as excess feed does not convert into body weight but pollutes the system. Conversely, underfeeding reduces growth potential and prolongs the production cycle. Insufficient feed limits nutrient availability for growth, prioritizing maintenance overgrowth. This results in suboptimal growth rates, longer production cycles, increased labor costs, and higher mortality risks.
• To determine the correct feed amount, observing feeding behaviour is crucial. Years of research support Skretting diets, providing tailored feeding tables based on species and life stages. These tables guide farmers on optimal feed volumes, maximizing the potential of both the animals and the diets.
• In conclusion, optimizing feed management in fish and shrimp farming involves providing species-specific, extruded diets, observing feeding behaviour, and utilizing research-backed feeding tables. By feeding the right amount, farmers can enhance growth rates, improve feed efficiency, and maintain a healthy aquatic environment, ensuring sustainable and profitable aquaculture operations.