by Anita Nielsen, Product Strategist, Aquabyte, Denmark
Feeding remains one of the largest single costs in salmon farming, typically accounting for around 50 percent of total operational expenses. Despite this, many farmers still rely on fragmented systems, manual observations and previous experience to make critical feeding decisions.
New digital technologies are now beginning to change that. Advances in data integration and artificial intelligence (AI) are enabling salmon farmers to monitor appetite, growth and feed efficiency in real time – paving the way for more consistent and data-driven feeding practices across sites and shifts.
Fragmented data to unified insights
The Aquabyte Feeding platform exemplifies this transition toward integrated, intelligent feeding. By combining biological and environmental data in a single interface, the system helps farmers see the full picture of feeding performance in real time.
Traditionally, large volumes of farm data have existed in silos, making it difficult to interpret or act upon. Integrated solutions now simplify this complexity by aggregating and analysing all key parameters, from feed input and fish behaviour to growth and conversion metrics, in one place.
The feeding control centre
Centralised control of feeding operations can significantly reduce complexity. A single operational hub allows feeders to monitor all pens through live camera feeds, appetite indicators and performance metrics – and to respond quickly to alerts or behavioural changes. Historical playback functions further enable detailed review of feeding events and adjustments over time.
By consolidating multiple tools into one system, this platform will lighten the cognitive load for feeding operators and ensure that the focus remains where it belongs: on the fish.
AI-driven appetite detection
Artificial intelligence plays an increasingly important role in standardising feeding decisions. Subtle behavioural signals, such as changes in fish movement or pellet dispersion, can reveal shifts in appetite that are often difficult to detect manually. Through continuous analysis of these indicators, the AI-based assistant can provide live appetite assessments and short-term forecasts for every pen simultaneously.
This approach not only improves precision and consistency across shifts but also enables a gradual move toward autonomous feeding. By interpreting data objectively, AI tools help reduce variability, optimise feed use and minimise waste.
Long-term feeding insights
Beyond daily operations, integrated systems are enabling farmers to connect feeding activity with long-term growth and performance outcomes. Tools that link feed data to real-time growth models, such as Relative Growth Index (RGI) and Feed Conversion Rate (FCR), provide a more complete understanding of how feeding strategies influence biological and economic results.
With millions of datapoints, we have developed a proprietary growth model that is regionally calibrated for accuracy, giving farmers even more detailed insights into growth in their pen. Such visibility helps close the ‘black box’ between smolt input and harvest, offering continuous feedback on what drives efficient, sustainable growth.
Operational and biological benefits
A digital feeding platform transforms feeding from an experience-based task into a data-driven discipline. With unified access to all relevant data, farmers can make quicker, better-informed decisions and maintain consistent feeding strategies across teams and sites.
Continuous monitoring of appetite, growth and feed efficiency allows for proactive adjustments. Early detection of appetite changes reduces waste and supports optimal feed utilisation, while live growth and FCR tracking highlight opportunities for improvement. Over time, this data-driven precision supports stronger biological results and improved production efficiency.
With one system handling all feeding data and analysis, farm operations become more efficient and transparent. Feeders can act faster; managers gain a clearer view of performance across sites and decisions are grounded in data rather than intuition. In essence, the company’s feeding gives farmers the clarity and confidence to feed smarter – every day, in every pen.
Developed in collaboration with farmers
A key driver of Aquabyte’s development has been close collaboration with farmers. Working side by side with feeding operators and site managers ensures that new systems fit seamlessly into existing workflows and address real operational challenges.
Through continuous feedback from the field, Aquabyte refines its models and interfaces to enhance usability and relevance. This collaborative approach keeps innovation grounded in practical needs – supporting both improved feeding efficiency and the long-term sustainability of aquaculture.
