Aquaculture Welfare

Farmed Salmon Welfare: Feed Conversion and Nutrition

Salmon nutrition and feed management are critical welfare determinants, influencing growth, immune function, skeletal integrity and overall fish health.

Key Facts

Feed conversion ratios in salmon farming are approximately 1.1-1.3 kg feed per kg fish
High fish-oil diets support omega-3 profiles but sustainability has driven shifts to plant-based feeds
Plant-based feeds can affect gut health, flesh quality and potentially welfare if poorly formulated
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies linked to diet can cause skeletal deformities in salmon
Feeding management including automatic feeding systems helps prevent competition and underfeeding

Welfare Considerations

Diet directly influences salmon welfare through its effects on immune competence, skeletal development and gut integrity. Transitions to plant-based feed ingredients can introduce anti-nutritional factors that impair gut health. Monitoring fish health indicators including growth rates, feeding behaviour and mortality helps detect nutritional problems early.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture welfare certification schemes that include nutrition standards
Learn about the welfare impacts of feed ingredient sourcing in salmon farming
Advocate for investment in alternative protein sources that support salmon health
Choose certified welfare-assured seafood where available