CA-05-01-002
Feed trials in Canada 2005 - 2006

Since the late 1980's the Danish trout feed industry has been regulated as to the composition of the grower feeds that are allowed to be used by the farmers. The feed composition regulations relate to the maximum amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen and ash, minimum levels of energy and digestibility, and maximum feed conversion ratios. The establishment of feed quotas has led to a major preoccupation with feed conversion ratios as this factor determines the overall productivity of a given farm (the lower the ratio, the greater the fish biomass produced per unit feed). These studies will permit the evaluation of the Danish diets and compare their performance directly against their Canadian counterparts, in terms of growth performance and effluent nutrient discharge. Field trials in recirculating systems (Alberta) and in a cage environment (Saskatchewan) will complement previous and concurrent lab experiments in Ontario and field and lab trials in Quebec. Results from the trials can be used to improve fish feed formulations in Canada from both the production and environmental perspectives.