Background
Approximately 85% of greenhouse gas emissions from farmed salmon production up to harvest are linked to the feed the fish consume. Therefore, developing sustainable feed ingredients is a key priority in Norway. Poultry meal is a potential alternative protein source to soy concentrate, as it is already available in large quantities and can help reduce the carbon footprint of salmon feed.
Despite this, poultry meal is not currently used in Norwegian salmon feed, mainly due to challenges related to protein digestibility and market uncertainty regarding consumer acceptance. This project investigates how poultry meal can be optimized as a feed ingredient and its effects on fish performance, health, and fillet quality.
Project Goals
The main objective of the project is to facilitate increased utilization of poultry by-products in salmon feed. This includes:
- Developing processes and selection criteria for poultry meal to ensure high biological quality.
- Mapping consumer attitudes toward salmon fed with poultry meal and identifying factors influencing acceptance and willingness to pay.
- Documenting the effects of long-term feeding with poultry meal on fish performance, health, and fillet quality.
Progress
The project is structured into three work packages:
- AP1: Development of processes to ensure high biological quality in poultry meal.
- AP2: Mapping consumer acceptance of salmon fed with poultry meal.
- AP3: Testing the effects of long-term feeding with poultry meal on salmon performance and health.
Additionally, dissemination activities will be carried out, including popular science articles, scientific publications, and participation in relevant seminars and webinars.