Fish feed and nutrition

Aim

DTU Aqua's research on fish feed and nutrition focuses on digestion processes, digestibility properties, feed optimization and the potential utilization of alternative sources as feed-ingredients, as well as on the effects of different water quality parameters on fish physiology and welfare. 

Feed is the major nutrient input in fish farming systems, and research on feed digestibility, utilization efficiency, and associated effects on nutrient discharge, system performance, and water quality is essential.

Research focus

Alternative raw materials

Sustainability and carbon footprint have increasing importance for the fish feed industry. Feed accounts for the largest share of the carbon footprint in fish farming, and research is needed to reduce it. Alternative raw material sources must be explored, and there is a crucial need for research on how to process and produce new feed ingredients from these materials. Within this topic, DTU Aqua's research focuses on production, processing, and nutritional optimization of alternative, regionally produced protein sources for fish feed.

Fish welfare

Fish welfare is another important issue, and relevant welfare standards need to be established. Welfare of fish may relate to water quality parameters and on-farm operations. DTU Aqua is working on developing a set of welfare standards applicable to different farming systems and determining key characteristics and composition of fish feed that influence water quality.

Industrial collaboration

Like recirculation technology, fish feed is a Danish stronghold, and DTU Aqua frequently collaborates with feed and ingredient producers on projects.