New research: Trout prefer feeds rich in omega-3

Rainbow trout favour feeds that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

This is the conclusion from a new research paper claiming that the replacement of fishmeal and fish oil by a completely plant-based diet drastically decreases the survival and growth of fish. The new study has examined the feed preference of rainbow trout and found that the fish could discriminate between the plant-based diets and the aqua-feed ingredients. The conclusion was clear: the fish showed an obvious preference for the marine-feed ingredients.

The paper also refers to numerous other studies which have found a connection between plant-based diets and reductions in feed intake, growth performance, or a combination of lower feed intake and feed efficiency. It is believed that these reductions are primarily related to the absence of marine ingredients, fishmeal and especially fish oil.

Read the full study “Rainbow trout prefer diets rich in omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids DHA and EPA” here.