U.S.-based animal nutrition company Cargill has recognized the performance of two salmon grow-out centers in Chile, owned by Salmones Aysén and Cooke Aquaculture, for having achieved the best growth in coho salmon.
Salmones Aysén’s Huito center achieved a feed conversion ratio (FCR) in water of 0.97 without photoperiod, while Cooke Aquaculture’s Ballenas 4 center, which used photoperiod, obtained an FCR of 1.03.
“These results are not only the best EWOS-powered centers, but also within the entire industry,” Cargill said in a release.
Using Cargill's EWOS Ginzake HG diet, salmon grown at the Huito center reached an average of four kilograms in weight in 8.32 months of cultivation; Cargill also highlighted that for the second consecutive year, the center raised fish 100 percent free of antibiotics.
“It has been a great challenge to be able to maintain standards and control over our operations. Thanks to the effort and commitment of all our workers, we have been able to carry out this difficult task,” Salmones Aysén Production Manager Oscar Barraza said. “The good results in [the Huito] center are mainly based on the strategy generated in conjunction with our feed supplier, using functional diets and the broad portfolio that adapts to the challenges of each stage.”
In turn, also using the GINZAKE HG diet, Cooke Aquaculture’s Ballenas 4 center saw an average harvest weight of 5.1 kilograms in 9.57 months.
"Despite the fact that the fish were in the water for longer than budgeted, the diet performed well and the feeding strategy applied after 3.5 kilograms was adjusted to our recommendations where the performance of the fish was within that expected,” Cargill Feed Consultant Juan Carlos Vera said. “On the other hand, the use of functional diets helped control jaundice in their fish.”
Cargill Chile General Manager Hugo Contreras said Ginzake diets have been specially designed for high performance, which when added to the experience of the production teams, allow for sustained results over time.
Photo courtesy of Salmones Aysén
