Protein nutrition in fish is one of the most researched aspects of animal nutrition.

Most of the intensively farmed aquaculture species are carnivorous, which translates into the need for a high protein intake with 2 or 4 times more protein in the diets, if high growth wants to be achieved, unlike other terrestrial species in farm.

In salmon diets, fishmeal has been one of the most widely used feed sources to date due to its high protein content, which contains significant amounts of essential amino acids. It also noteworthy the great acceptance when it comes to ingesting this type of nutrients due to the great palatability it provides to salmon.

However, the high demand for this species and other aquaculture species have made the costs of this type of animal-derived nutrient (fishmeal) notoriously more expensive. On the other hand, intensive aquaculture farms have grown in recent years due to the high demand of protein for human consumption. This increase in demand is due to the constant growth of the population and the need for access to better quality food.

These antecedents have forced the sector to search for and investigate alternatives that do not require a high-cost nutritional contribution, depending on the fishing sector, which is experiencing more difficulties every day and an uncertain future.

For years now, nutritional alternatives of plant origin have been implemented (in combination with diets in intensive production), in order to lower costs while maintaining the required protein levels and production.

Sources:

• Feeding in Aquaculture (CAICYT) – Training plan for senior technicians in aquaculture
• https://www.observatorio-acuicultura.es/sites/default/files/images/adjuntos/libros//alimentacion.pdf