Do feeds contain growth hormones or antibiotics?

No. Skretting feeds do not contain any growth-promoting hormones. In some markets, antibiotics are added to Skretting feed upon customer request and per veterinary prescription, in accordance with specific rules established by law. The requirement of veterinary prescription ensures that the usage is well documented and justified, based on a proper diagnosis thus helping to reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Medicines can only be used in the event of disease, never as a preventative measure or as growth promotor. In order to reduce the risk of transferring traces of antibiotics in treated animals to consumers, medicated feed containing antibiotics must be produced and administered under strict controls. A “withdrawal period” must be adhered to, which is the set period of time required between treatment and harvest. This ensures that the medicine is no longer present in the fish when being consumed.

Skretting is strongly working towards reducing the use of antibiotics through recommending best husbandry practices, encouraging the use of vaccines and promoting the use of functional diets to minimise the risk of disease. Even though we strive to keep the animals healthy and free from disease, bacterial diseases do inevitably occur. In some of these cases, antibiotic treatment still plays an important role in relieving animal suffering, safeguarding animals health and welfare. The central principle is therefore to use antibiotics responsibly, as little as possible and only when necessary.

Pincoy

Concrete support to reduce the use of antibiotics  

The Chilean salmon industry has long been criticised for its extensive use of antibiotics. In recent years, growing pressure from governments and consumers has resulted in a strong industry focus to reduce antibiotics. This has led to the development of many useful innovations and to overcome this challenge, Skretting initiated the Pincoy Project in 2016 to bring together industry partners from various stages in the Chilean salmon production chain to find a holistic solution. In addition to making important improvements in health, welfare and monitoring, Pincoy 1.0 was successfully completed, and the roll-out of the second phase, Pincoy 2.0, took place at the end of the year. Current participants include Skretting, AquaGen/Blue Genomics, Pharmaq, Centrovet, Cermaq, Blumar and Camanchaca. 

About Pincoy