How much feed is needed to grow a farmed fish?
Fish and shrimp are extremely efficient in converting feed into high-quality protein. On average, farmed fish require 1.1kg of feed to gain 1 kg of body mass, compared with 1.7kg for poultry and 6.6kg for cattle.
Fish are actually the most efficient animal to produce, as the feed conversion ratio (FCR) is so low. The FCR is the amount of feed an animal needs to gain one kilogram of body weight.
Through a comprehensive understanding of the specific nutritional needs, Atlantic salmon is currently the most efficient animal to produce, with the lowest FCR. Typically Atlantic salmon need 1.15 kg of feed to gain 1 kg body weight. Pigs needs more than twice as much food as the salmon to gain 1 kg, while sheep needs to eat almost six times as much.
Nigerian catfish farmers example form sustainability report.
Fish also has a high harvest yield in comparison with other farmed animals. Harvest yield is the percentage of the animal left after the inedible portion has been removed. Salmon differs from other terrestrial animals with a yield of 86%. Chicken in comparison has a harvest yield of just 47%.
Feed conversion ratio for farmed fish vs farmed land animals
Harvest yield for farmed fish vs farmed land animals