Salmon producers switch to poultry feed to cut costs

Major European salmon producers are increasingly turning to poultry by-products, such as bones and offal, as a primary component in fish feed. This shift is driven by the soaring cost of traditional fishmeal, which has nearly doubled in price over the last two years due to declining wild fish stocks and rising demand from China.

Leading companies including Lerøy Seafood Group, Mowi, Grieg Seafood, and SalMar are implementing or testing these poultry-based diets. Lerøy has already integrated these ingredients across its offshore farms, while Mowi plans to expand usage in Norway and Scotland. Industry insiders note that poultry-based feed can cost less than half the price of traditional fishmeal per ton.

The transition comes despite historical consumer skepticism and previous bans on using animal by-products in fish feed to prevent disease transmission. While such practices were restricted in the UK until 2013, regulatory stances have evolved. Producers argue the move is more cost-effective and potentially better for the climate, though retailers are not currently required to disclose the specific composition of feed on product packaging.