A new whitepaper has confirmed that increasing dietary levels of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in salmon feed can deliver significant gains in fish health, production efficiency and final product quality.
The study, conducted by independent research firm Manolin for Veramaris, analysed large-scale datasets from commercial Atlantic salmon farms to compare outcomes across varying feed compositions. Its findings point to measurable improvements when fish are fed above-average levels of EPA and DHA, defined as more than 9% of total fatty acids.
Among the most notable results was an 8% reduction in total mortality, alongside a 13% improvement in economic Feed Conversion Ratio (eFCR). These gains were also accompanied by increased predictability, with performance outcomes becoming more consistent across production cycles.
“Higher EPA and DHA inclusion is not just about incremental gains—it fundamentally improves reliability,” said the authors of the whitepaper. “That predictability gives farmers greater control over harvest outcomes and reduces operational risk.”
The research also found a 2% increase in superior or premium grade fish, with nearly 30% greater predictability in achieving those higher quality classifications. This consistency is seen as critical for maintaining stable pricing and strengthening buyer confidence.
Processor data reinforced the on-farm findings, highlighting clear quality benefits in fillets from fish fed higher omega-3 levels. These included 7% less melanosis and 40% fewer blood spots – two common defects that can lead to downgrades, waste or reprocessing.
“Quality improvements at the fillet stage have a direct impact on value retention across the supply chain,” continued the authors. “Reducing defects helps protect margins and ensures a more dependable product for retailers and consumers.”
The updated study builds on earlier research published in 2023, with an expanded dataset that nearly doubles the number of fish populations analysed. By focusing on populations rather than generations, researchers were able to reduce data variability and improve the precision of comparisons.
Ultimately, the findings reinforce the growing industry view that investing in EPA and DHA-rich feeds delivers returns well beyond farm performance. Improved fish welfare, reduced waste and more consistent product quality combine to create tangible economic and environmental benefits.
As the report concludes, “Better nutrition drives better biology and that translates directly into better business outcomes across the value chain.”
