As the aquaculture industry seeks to reduce its reliance on marine-derived ingredients, a recent field experiment published on LinkedIn by industry experts highlights the potential of poultry by-product meal (PBM).
The Study at a Glance:
- Scale: 435,000 Atlantic salmon across nine marine pens in western Norway.
- Duration: 11 months (from 482g to 5.9kg).
- Diets: Control vs. 5% and 10% PBM inclusion.
Key Findings:
- Performance: No significant differences were found in feed conversion ratios (FCR) or growth rates.
- Gut Health: Histological analysis showed no signs of inflammation or compromise to intestinal integrity—a common concern with alternative proteins.
- Product Quality: 83% of the fish were graded as “superior.” The essential pigments (astaxanthin) and fatty acids that consumers expect were fully maintained.
The Bottom Line: PBM is no longer just a “filler” candidate; it is a nutritionally dense, EU-approved (Category 3) ingredient that supports both fish welfare and a more sustainable supply chain.