February 22, 2022

BioMar recognises salmon producers for achieving best conversion factors with BioMar feed
 

BioMar has recognised the operations of salmon farmers Blumar, Cermaq, Australis Seafoods, Multi X and Cooke Aquaculture for having the best conversion factors with BioMar feed.

"If we look at the figures of the last five years, in relation to the 10 farms that have produced the best conversion factors with BioMar feed, the result is absolutely positive and in line with our promise of value. Between 2017 and 2021, we have contributed to reducing the average value of FCRb (feed conversion rate biology) by 5%, with an increase in harvest weight of 4%," BioMar Chile commercial manager Michael Adler told SalmonExpert.

According to Adler, growout centers are regularly exceeding the company's growth projections, with the 10 top-performing centers seeing 20% better growth than five years ago. The five companies recognised have implemented "the timely inclusion of functional foods associated with the different challenges of the fattening period in the sea, in the different farming regions," he said.

In the Los Lagos region, Chile, Cermaq's Chaullin Norte center, located on the island of Chiloé, was recognised for obtaining the best indicator, with an FCRb of 1.03 and an average harvest weight of 6.45 kilogrammes. Cermaq Seawater production manager Patricio Daza attributed the results to the company improving the quality of smolts, implementing a sanitary and operational strategy, and deploying a clear feeding strategy.

"The quality and reliability of the food delivered is a fundamental variable in the production cycle," he said.

In Chile's southernmost regions, Blumar was recognised for its Chivato I center in the Aysén region and the Pérez de Arce center in the Magallanes region, with an FCRb of 0.99 and 1.06, and harvest weights of 5.95 and 4.91 kilogrammes, respectively.

BioMar noted that the recognition is even more relevant when considering that Chivato I had to overcome the challenges of starting up its cycle in the midst of an algae bloom.

The use of functional diets was decisive to improving gill health at these centers, according to Blumar Sea production manager Gabriel Jerez. He also attributed the quality of the smolt, health monitoring, the correct diets and staff experience to the centers' success.

BioMar expects to hold an award ceremony honoring the salmon firms in March 2022, SalmonExpert reported. 

- SeafoodSource