August 16, 2006

Norwegian scientists say salmon bones can be used as cod feed

Scientists at Fiskeriforskning's department in Bergen have discovered that bones from farmed salmon may make a fine feed for cod and lead to faster growth.

Since cod consumes mainly crustaceans in the wild, scientists have thought of transferring this inclination to salmon bones for farm cods. Results showed that not only did it lead to a better appetite, it also led to faster growth.

Fishes that received 20 percent salmon bone meal grew 10 percent faster than fish on regular feed, according to Fiskeriforskning. However, the effect tapers off once the percentage of bone meal increases beyond 20 percent.

Scientist Jogeir Toppe of Fiskeriforskning said it may be possible to increase the content of salmon bones in the feed to up to 40 percent without increasing the feed factor if untreated salmon bones with fish meat is used. The finding has the potential to save millions for farmers as it meant that they may no longer need to fork out as much money to purchase fishmeal, which are currently at record prices.

Use of untreated salmon bones with fish meat can replace the fish oil and some of the proteins that are used in the feed, he said.

He estimates that feed prices can be reduced by around 12 percent by using meal of untreated salmon bones.

Since cod farming is now a national priority programme, feed demand for cod is expected to rise in the near future, Toppe said.

The volume of salmon bones from the Norwegian aquaculture industry would have been enough to supply the feed industry, especially if more of the salmon is processed in the country, he said.