Krill meal supports salmon survival and growth during transfer phase. First commercial field trial of its kind shows benefits of krill meal during seawater transfer.
A new study has found that feeds containing QRILL Aqua can help Atlantic salmon perform better during one of the most challenging phases of their lifecycle: the transition from freshwater to seawater. Conducted by Skretting in collaboration with Aker QRILL Company, this is the first study on the impact of QRILL Aqua from a commercial-scale field trial during the seawater transfer period.
A high-stakes stage for salmon farmers
The seawater transfer period is a known bottleneck in salmon farming, marked by appetite suppression, osmoregulation stress, increased disease risk, and higher mortality rates. Industry figures show that a large share of losses occur during the first months at sea, creating both economic and fish welfare concerns.
“By combining Skretting’s feed expertise with QRILL Aqua’s proven nutritional benefits, we were able to test under real farming conditions. This is a strong example of how collaboration can advance solutions for the industry,” adds Kjetil Berge, R&D Leader, Skretting.
Key results
The 116-day trial, conducted at a commercial salmon farm in Harstad, Norway, compared a commercial diet containing 15% fishmeal to one in which 10% krill meal (QRILL Aqua) was used, thereby reducing the fishmeal by one-third.
Salmon fed the QRILL Aqua diet:
- Consumed 3% more feed
- Achieved 22% lower mortality
- Exhibited 4.8% higher growth
These results point to trends that could make a meaningful difference to both fish welfare and farm productivity.
“As feed formulations shift toward more plant-based proteins and novel ingredients, farmers face challenges like reduced palatability, nutrient imbalances, and competition with human food,” adds Kaur. “QRILL Aqua is a sustainable, functional marine ingredient that delivers high-quality protein, omega-3s, and essential nutrients, helping address these challenges so fish can stay healthy and perform well while supporting environmental goals.”
The study, Krill Meal Boosts Growth and Survival in Atlantic Salmon Smolts After Seawater Transfer, is published in the Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences: https://doi.org/10.4194/TRJFAS27771