Research on including Nuseed’s Aquaterra® Advanced omega-3 oil in farmed Atlantic salmon feeds has been recently published. Results showed that increasing Aquaterra® rates in aquafeed reduces melanosis and improves salmon quality indicators. The trials also assessed whether Aquaterra® can provide a safe and effective source of essential fatty acids, including DHA and EPA.
In a first study, Bente Ruyter and Nofima colleagues tested Aquaterra omega-3 oil in salmon reared in seawater tanks, from 465 g to 1.5 kg. Researchers found that increasing dietary levels of Aquaterra® led to higher omega-3 content in the fillets and a significantly higher omega-3:omega-6 fatty acid ratio than fish fed the control diet. Improved muscle and skin color were also observed.
In the second study, Bjarne Hatlen and Nofima researchers validated Ruyter's results in a full seawater life cycle feeding trial, conducted until salmon reached harvest weight (4.7 kg). Researchers found Ruyter's results are consistent over long-term feedings in variable, commercial-type environments with larger fish. In addition to improvements in color, the prevalence and intensity of melanosis was reduced on the Aquaterra diets. Researchers said that Aquaterra® could be a good alternative to fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, thus supporting continued growth in the production of healthy salmon, without increasing the pressure on wild fish stocks.
“Salmon consumers buy with their eyes. Aquaterra® Advanced omega-3 oil supports improved fillet color and reduced melanosis, indicators of quality to seafood buyers. We developed Aquaterra® to provide a new source of omega-3 oil, yet study after study illustrates that our unique oil profile is more than a marine oil complement—it is a true advancement in aquafeed nutrition,” said Benita Boettner, Nussed’s nutritional general manager.
Check out the studies in the links below.
Improved fillet quality in harvest-size Atlantic salmon fed high n-3 canola oil as a DHA-source
