Feeding in aquaculture: efficiency, sustainability and quality of farmed fish

OP Del Pesce optimizes the feeding of products
Nutrition is the productive heart of aquaculture: it directly influences the growth, organoleptic quality of the fish, production costs and environmental impact.
Actually, how OP Del Pesce, which raises Spigole, orate and ombrine 100% Italian products, Optimizing the feeding phase means improving the productive performance and the sustainability of the supply chain, guaranteeing the consumer a healthy, safe and quality fish certified.

The food management of species such as herring, squid and squid It is divided into three main macro-phases, calibrated to meet the nutritional and physiological needs of the fish at each stage of growth:

1. Larval/starter feeding – Use of micro-granular feed or live feed, High-protein and easily digestible nutrients. This phase is crucial for ensuring the survival and uniform development of the fry.
2. Growth / ongrowing – Administration of extruded feed (Grower feed), with an optimal balance of the various essential nutrients. The average weight and growth rates are constantly monitored to optimize the nutritional efficiency.
3. Finishing / harvesting – Use of specific formulations to improve the served in fillets and the Organoleptic characteristics (intramuscular fat, consistency, flavor).

All phases are managed following strict protocols. administration, based on temperature control, oxygenation and stocking density, in order to ensure animal health and well-being.

The most important indicator is the FCR – Feed Conversion Ratio, which is the amount of feed used (e.g., kg) to obtain 1 kg of fish.
Typical values under optimal conditions:

•   Oarfish (Gilthead seabream): FCR ~1.5–1.8
•   Spigola (European seabass): FCR ~1.7–2.0

Reducing the FCR by even 0.1 leads to significant economic and environmental benefits: lower feed costs, less organic waste, and a reduction in nutrient emissions into the water.

•   Certified feed GLOBAL G.A.P. and ASC:

     o   The GLOBAL G.A.P. Certification guarantees the safety, sustainability and traceability of feed throughout the entire supply chain.

   o   The ASC Certification (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certifies that aquaculture minimizes its environmental and social impact while adhering to international standards of sustainable aquaculture.

•   Balanced formulations: Use of extruded feed with nutritional profiles calibrated for each production phase.
•   Size of the pellets adapted to the size of the fish, to avoid waste and improve the conversion efficiency.
•   Precision feeding: each fish receives a quantity of food proportional to its body weight and water temperature, favoring harmonious growth without excessive accumulation of fat.
•   Targeted feeding plans: The daily rations are divided into multiple doses, optimizing consumption and reducing waste in the water.
•   Control of environmental parametersBefore each feeding, dissolved oxygen, temperature, ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, and nitrogen are monitored. This data allows feeding to be managed in such a way as to maintain optimal conditions by preventing stress or a decline in appetite.
• Constant monitoringPeriodic weighing, FCR analysis and digital tracking of data allow the diet to be adjusted in real time and performance to be maximized.

An additional advantage of farmed fish Compared to the fish caught, it is the Total control over origin and supply.
It is known exactly where he was born, what he ate and in what conditions he grew up, and this guarantees maximum food safety.

Sustainability and Innovation

OP Del Pesce adopts a proactive approach towards sustainability of aquaculture, Also in the choice of feed:

•   reduction in the use of flours and fish oils in favor of co-products from circular economy and alternative ingredients like microalgae and insects
•   supply from Certified and responsible sources;

Management and recovery of waste to reduce the overall environmental footprint

Conclusions - Why nutrition is a strategic lever

For OP Del Pesce, nutrition is not just a technical phase of production, but a strategic lever for competing in quality, sustainability and safety.
Optimizing formulations, feeding and environmental control means achieving better FCR, healthier fish and cleaner fish farms, offering the consumer a 100% Italian product that is traceable, certified, sustainable and safe.

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