The continuous development of effective and palatable feed formulations has been at the core of Fennoaqua’s expertise from the very beginning. Now we are the first in Finland to introduce the concept of net energy in feeding. It ensures that the feed always contains a guaranteed amount of energy that the fish can utilise for growth. Fish welfare and efficient growth are always key priorities.

Net energy is the energy that remains for the fish to use for growth, movement, and reproduction after metabolic losses have been deducted. In the meat production sector, net energy is well known to farmers, but in fish farming, the concept is new.

The amount of net energy remains constant

Previously, our goal was always to achieve a certain level of protein, fat, and energy in feed. However, there is always variation in raw material batches, so the net energy obtained from the same feed may vary.

The net energy concept, on the other hand, leads to more precise feed formulation based on the different utilisation efficiencies of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in fish. The formulated composition and nutritional values determine the feed’s effectiveness even at different temperatures.

“When the focus is on net energy, the feed can always guarantee the net energy level the fish needs to grow. Everything else, such as the proportions of raw materials in the recipe, may vary, but the net energy level always remains constant. However, no important ingredient is ever omitted for this reason. If you’re used to seeing fish meal listed on the side of a feed bag, it will still be there,” promises Alltech Fennoaqua’s Development Manager Susanna Airaksinen.

Product development relies on data and robust background research

The net energy values of future feeds are determined based on existing data.

“Net energy alone does not dictate feed compositions; all nutritional criteria and basic data, such as the digestibility of raw materials, still form the foundation of our products. Thanks to Fennoaqua’s long history, we know which values have traditionally worked, and those values are also guaranteed at the outset. We precisely define, for example, the permissible ranges for protein and fat,” Airaksinen explains.

Feed development is an ongoing process. All raw materials used by Fennoaqua are analysed upon receipt. For years, they have been subjected to, for example, digestibility tests. Tests and evaluations also apply to future raw materials. Implementing the net energy concept certainly requires a lot of work, but Alltech’s internal collaboration has been a great help.

“Alltech Coppens has been involved in primary research on the topic, so we are in a fortunate position to receive fresh information within the group. Thanks to this research and development, we are among the first to adopt the net energy concept,” Airaksinen notes.

A new tool for farmers to manage variables

The net energy concept provides farmers with additional tools to manage variables affecting fish growth and well-being. When the feed energy level remains constant, there is one fewer variable to manage in farming.

“The farmer’s own development work becomes easier when the feed’s net energy level no longer fluctuates. Attention can be directed toward other factors affecting farming, such as conditions, the fish stock, and other facility practices that influence growth. It’s good to remember that our development work and that of the farmers go hand in hand, and we always listen to our customers’ experiences,” Airaksinen concludes.

Fennoaqua’s net energy concept will be introduced gradually, starting with the Finnish market.