Big data analysis of Norway’s commercial salmon production reveals the full benefits of higher levels of dietary omega-3 EPA & DHA on survival, feed performance and quality, giving further evidence of the return on investment in better nutrition.
This new analysis uses real-world data to compare health and harvest metrics. EPA & DHA levels in Atlantic salmon diets act as levers, tipping the odds in favor of fish health and feed efficiency. The study shows how investment in nutrition helps protect value throughout the supply chain, from farm to table.
This study, which processed a decade of data from 166 farms, 430 million fish and nine Norway production zones, builds on the findings of Veramaris’ previously published scientific research. Mortality rates were 8% lower and eFCR decreased by 13%, while flesh quality also improved in populations fed diets rich in EPA & DHA. Improvements in predictability also increased by up to 50%, which translates into greater control over outcomes and more reliable business.
“Raising salmon on diets rich in EPA & DHA checks all the boxes: better survival, feed efficiency, quality, and less waste overall,” said Yann Le Gal, global business development manager at Veramaris, in a press release. “This ensures the health of the animals and improves the sustainability of aquaculture as a reliable food system.”
“Our approach, inspired by medical data science, delivers more precise insights,” said Tony Chen, CEO of Manolin. “Rather than comparing fish by generations, we analyzed populations, allowing us to detect patterns across similar farm conditions with much greater confidence.”
Veramaris has invested in nutrition science research for several years, most recently in collaboration with Manolin, to provide empirical proof of the dietary EPA & DHA benefits for aquaculture. This breakthrough analysis, from double the data pool of earlier work, shows the value of better nutrition. Feed producers, farmers, processors, importers, retailers, and foodservice operators can use these findings to quantify the benefits of optimum nutrition and reset their specifications.
Find out more about the study here.
