A new study has found that including QRILL Aqua in low fishmeal diets helps Atlantic salmon
maintain growth, nutrient utilization, and fillet quality, while reducing the need for plant proteins and synthetic additives. Conducted by researchers from the Atlantic Veterinary College (UPEI),
Dalhousie University, and Aker QRILL Company, the trial also found that higher krill meal inclusion improved the visual appearance of wounds after healing, a potential benefit for harvest quality and market value.
A sustainability-focused feeding strategy
As today’s salmon feeds are mainly plant-based with small inclusion of marine ingredients to
address resource sustainability, farmers face challenges such as reduced palatability, nutrient
imbalances, and increased reliance on synthetic supplements.
Kiranpreet Kaur, Director R&D, Aker QRILL Company, states:
“Our findings show that higher inclusion of QRILL Aqua in low-fishmeal diets preserves fish
growth and nutrient use — but importantly also leads to reduced scarring and improved
gross appurtenance of wounds, which helps to improve fillet quality and reduces economic
losses for producers”
Kiranpreet Kaur, Director R&D, Aker QRILL Company adds:
“This research shows that QRILL Aqua can maintain high fish performance in plant-based
diets, low fish meal. It’s a functional ingredient that delivers both nutritional and
environmental benefits.”
Key results
The 25-week trial compared three diets containing 0%, 8%, and 12% krill meal (QRILL Aqua) with low fishmeal inclusion (10%). Salmon fed the krill meal diets:
- Required 33% less plant protein, lipid supplements, micronutrient additives, and synthetic
astaxanthin in comparison to control - Showed significantly higher fillet pigmentation with 12% inclusion
- Displayed healed wounds with more uniform skin color at 12% inclusion, potentially
reducing fillet downgrading
“The improved external appearance in the krill meal high-inclusion group indicates potential for
supporting product quality and reducing economic losses, as uniform skin and fillet appearance
is important for both market value and consumer perception,” says Kaur. “Our findings suggest
QRILL Aqua may help fish rwith improved wound healing, which is an important welfare and
quality consideration for the industry.”
The study, ‘Effects of dietary inclusion of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) meal in low fishmeal
diets on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) growth, nutrient utilization, fillet quality, and wound healing capacity’, is published in Aquaculture Report.
