Feed Efficiency Indicators for Responsible Aquaculture

摘要

While feed conversion ratios are often used as indexes of feed use efficiency, they can be misleading as ecological indicators. Indexes such as protein conversion ratios, protein efficiency, and fishmeal conversion can also be useful in evaluating theefficient use of protein and fishmeal in aquaculture. Environmentally responsible, profitable aquaculture has its foundation in efficient resource use. Feed usually is the most costly item in aquaculture production. Fishmeal for aquaculture feeds is particularly expensive, and its supply from the oceans is limited. Some environmentalists are concerned about the growing amount of fishmeal used by the aquaculture industry, especially in the culture of species that need a high percentage of fishmeal in their diets. Moreover, a great dependence on fishmeal could lead to a future limit on the expansion of aquaculture.