Atlantic salmon spend a significant portion of their lives in the hatchery. This period involves many operation-critical steps, including transitioning from the yolk sac stage to external feeding. Several factors influence the timing and success of this transition, including maturity, water temperature, oxygen levels, feed quality, yolk sac absorption, and genetic disposition.
Our main work is improving salmon genetics to ensure better growth and health for future generations. We follow up on our customers after deliveries and keep a continuous dialogue with them to understand better how the salmon genetic material work in the field. This led to the development of the first-feeding calculator.
The calculator was created after regular customer inquiries regarding maturation development and when to start external feeding, particularly when incubation temperatures fall below 5 °C, says developer Stein Johannessen, Smolt Health & Documentation Manager at Benchmark Genetics.
The development of the first-feeding calculator was an internal collaboration project between key Benchmark Genetics employees with a combined 50+ years of experience in the aquaculture industry. A document highlighting best practices to achieve a successful first feeding has also been created to support the calculator.
We want to help ensure a smooth transition for the fry and share our knowledge with our customers, says Tom Olsen, Site Manager at Benchmark Genetics Norway, dep. Lønningdal
The document focuses on all potential factors that could impact the first-feeding window.
This window is make-or-break for the fry’s survival, and degrees of maturity are not the only deciding factor for success, explains Johannessen.
Access the first-feeding calculator and supporting document here.
Disclaimer: The calculator is created as a supporting tool, and conclusions regarding the first-feeding timing should not be based solely on estimations made in the calculator.
