Optimal4Salmon

Offentlig prosjektsammendrag

In recent years, the aquaculture industry has faced significant challenges related to the sustainability of fish feed. Traditionally, fish oil was a primary component of salmon feed, but due to sustainability concerns and rising costs, there has been a shift towards plant and algae oils. However, this shift has raised new questions about the optimal balance of essential fatty acids in salmon diets, specifically the ratios of omega-6 (n6) to omega-3 (n3) fatty acids and the ratio of two key omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. This project aims to address these questions by conducting a comprehensive study on the effects of different n6/n3 and DHA/EPA ratios on the growth, health, and fillet quality of Atlantic salmon raised in sea cages, a more commercially relevant setting than the tank conditions typically used in existing studies. The study will involve a long-term trial with multiple points of n6/n3 ratio and will also consider the interaction with DHA/EPA ratios. The results of this study will provide valuable new insights into the optimal feeding strategies for salmon farming, balancing cost-effectiveness, fish health and quality, and sustainability. Ultimately, this project will contribute to the development of more optimized and sustainable feeding strategies for the salmon farming industry, leading to higher quality products, cost savings and reduced environmental impact.