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By: Victor Vargas Feed efficiency is the central axis around which the profitability and sustainability of any aquaculture operation revolve. In this context, the graphical analysis of feeding parameters emerges as an indispensable methodology for transforming raw data into strategic information, enabling precise and scientific management of the culture (Bureau & Hua, 2010).   The cornerstone of this analysis is the monitoring and visual representation of the Feed Conversion

By: Victor Vargas Efficient feed management in aquaculture is a fundamental pillar for maximizing growth and minimizing the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). However, historically, the interpretation of production results has been dominated by subjective perceptions, beliefs, and speculation, which Talbot refers to as the "art" of aquaculture. This approach, although widespread, leads to significant inefficiencies, such as overfeeding or underfeeding, impacting both profitability

Understanding the Importance of Feed Management In modern aquaculture, the cornerstone of both profitability and sustainability lies in the precise management of feed. The relationship between the daily feeding rate, expressed as a percentage of body weight (% BW), and key performance indicators like the Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) is complex. It is not a simple linear progression but a carefully balanced curve. Understanding this dynamic is

By: Victor Vargas Mariculture is established as one of the most strategic and essential responses to the challenges of global food security in the 21st century. Amid the overexploitation of fishing resources, water scarcity, and sustained global demand for high-quality proteins, the controlled and sustainable development of production in the marine environment is no longer an option, but a systemic necessity. Although the successful models of pioneers—such as Nordic and Chil

During a recent post-sales technical assistance visit to a flow-through hatchery, we encountered a case that perfectly illustrates the complexity of fish physiology and the critical importance of comprehensive monitoring. At first glance, the fish (Atlantic Salmon, avg. 170g) appeared robust, displaying an excellent condition factor (K=1.32) and ATPase levels indicating an advanced state of smoltification. However, the presence of fungal infections and scale fragility prompte

By: Victor Vargas In marine fish farming, feeding is no longer a simple operational routine but a strategic discipline that directly defines biological performance, economic margins, and environmental stability. The pursuit of an optimal Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) is not achieved through better feed formulas alone, but by precisely understanding how fish respond to feeding decisions under specific farming conditions. Each pellet introduced into the system represents potentia

By: Victor Vargas Marine finfish aquaculture is expanding rapidly, driven by the global demand for high-value species and the search for diversification beyond traditional cold-water production. However, a recurring challenge in emerging marine fish industries is the assumption that salmonid culture techniques can be transferred directly to marine species. In practice, this “copy-paste” approach often leads to inefficiencies, unexpected biological responses, and avoidable pro

By: Victor Vargas The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) is one of the most decisive indicators of profitability in marine fish farming. Even a small deviation in feeding efficiency can turn a profitable cycle into a deficit. Yet in many farms, three conceptual errors continue to raise FCR without contributing any real improvement in growth. The first error occurs when feeding strategies are applied without validating the actual growth curve of the stock. It is still common for fee

By: Victor Vargas Zelaya. Modern aquaculture is far more complex than simply feeding fish and waiting for growth outcomes. Achieving optimal performance—particularly in terms of growth and feed efficiency, known as the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)—requires a comprehensive integration of biological understanding, nutritional precision, operational execution, and strategic decision-making (FAO, 2020). Every operational choice, from ration timing to genetic strain selection, can

By: Victor Vargas The farming of snapper in tropical environments has become one of the most promising opportunities in modern marine aquaculture. Its excellent growth capacity, metabolism well adapted to warm temperatures, and remarkable feed efficiency make this species an ideal candidate for intensive and semi-intensive systems. However, reaching the full productive and economic potential of snapper does not depend solely on environmental conditions: it requires a solid fe

Industrial trials, especially in sectors like food ingredients, agrifood, and aquaculture, face unique challenges. Running trials without a clear plan often leads to wasted resources, unclear results, and missed opportunities for improvement. This article explains why experimental design is essential in industrial trials, outlines the traditional approaches companies use, and highlights common errors when trials lack proper planning. A field trial showing a structured experim

In the modern aquaculture industry, the search for natural supplements to enhance animal health and welfare is more than a trend—it's a strategic necessity. As producers face the dual challenge of meeting global demand while ensuring sustainable and efficient operations, a powerful class of plant-derived compounds is taking center stage: phytogenics. Based on new scientific analysis from our partner, Jorge Martínez A. (Technical Manager, ACP LTDA), these natural compounds are

By: Victor Vargas Zelaya. In aquaculture, a common scene unfolds: a production cycle ends with below-expected results. The initial, almost instinctive reaction is to blame external factors. "The feed was of poor quality," "the batch genetics were inferior," "the water temperature wasn't ideal." This is the  Perception , as illustrated by Clive Talbot, where 100% of the responsibility is attributed to biology and the environment. It is an understandable defense mechanism, but

The Importance of Accurate Data in Aquaculture In fish production, every operational decision can enhance performance or silently erode profitability. Behind every adjustment in feeding, stocking density, or health treatment lies a fundamental element often overlooked yet essential: the quality and accuracy of data. In aquaculture, measuring is not merely an administrative task—it is a strategic act. Data that are poorly measured are misinterpreted, leading to incomplete, bia

In today’s fast-paced corporate environment, making the right decisions quickly is crucial. Medium to large corporations and governmental institutions face complex challenges that require more than intuition or experience alone. They need structured approaches to analyze options, predict outcomes, and choose the best path forward. This is where business decision tools come into play. These tools help leaders reduce uncertainty, align teams, and optimize resources for better r

Understanding Comprehensive Financial Models Comprehensive financial models act as a roadmap for a startup’s financial future. They...

By: Lionel Pinuer. Business data is gold in the right hands. Many companies implement extensive database architectures, often with...

By: Lionel Pinuer. In today's business environment, where it is increasingly important to understand how different parts of a company...

Por Lionel Pinuer. In today's business world, operational efficiency and continuous improvement have become fundamental pillars for the success of any organization. Implementing methodologies like Lean Six Sigma and the use of applied statistical tools are key advantages for achieving sustained growth and a competitive edge based on data. We live in an era where data generation is more abundant and accessible than ever before. Every customer interaction, every production proc