With the new portable EWOS SalmoNIR technology from Cargill, salmon farmers have immediately available data on fat content, pigment, omega-3 and other important parameters to inform their farm management in real-time. This data, obtained with the SalmoNIR micro NIR sensor (near-infrared spectroscopy), allows salmon farmers to test live fish and quickly assess results to better manage nutrition and improve the quality of their final product.

“Typical quality testing requires samples to be sent to a lab for chemical analyses, which can be labor-intensive, expensive and take weeks to see results,” said Rodrigo Solervicens, technical manager of Cargill Chile. “SalmoNIR provides fast, convenient, simple and precise results – while also taking into account the well-being of the fish.”

This original technology was developed by the Cargill Innovation Center in Dirdal, Norway and initially available in the North Sea. The new SalmoNIR is built on this original technology and has been significantly improved, updated and tested in Norway and Chile with excellent results. SalmoNIR will now be available in all salmon farming markets, including Chile, North America and the North Sea.

“SalmoNIR monitors meat quality data through frequent, low-cost, real-time measurements. The quick and simple management of this data allows us to refine fish nutrition so salmon farmers achieve their quality objectives more consistently and at the lowest cost,” said Solervicens.