Additional Growth In Atlantic Salmon

Summary

• An Atlantic salmon trial was conducted at Deakin University over 18 weeks

• Additional weight gain and improved FCR was indicated in both salt and freshwater

Background

Following successful trials in other aquaculture species, an Atlantic Salmon trial was conducted at Deakin University. For more background see this description from the Nu.Sea Lab at Deakin University

Trial Design

Standard formulae were used to assess growth and feed utilisation, including mortality, initial and final average weight, feed intake, total and % gain in weight, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR).

The Trial utilised pre-smolt Atlantic salmon reared in freshwater followed by a second experiment after fish were transferred to saltwater. The trials ran for a total of 81 & 49 days. Two separate systems were used for the two distinct feeding trials, consisting of 18 & 6 (1000L) rearing tanks for the freshwater & saltwater phases. Both systems were equipped with biological & physical filtration & ultraviolet disinfection.

Salmon Smolt Trial Design

In the Freshwater phase six experimental diets were formulated – the only difference in diets is the inclusion of Polygain™ & a reduction in filler following increasing Polygain™. In the saltwater phase both the control & the 0.4% diet from the freshwater phase were continued. The fish were fed with one of the experimental diets twice daily to apparent satiation at 0900 and 1600h.

Results

Figure 1: Freshwater Phase Weight Gain

Figure 2: Freshwater Phase Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)

Figure 3: Saltwater Phase Weight Gain

Figure 4: Saltwater Phase Feed Conversion Ratio

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