Optimization of Growth and Feeding in Aquaculture: From Speculation to Data-Driven Science

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 and environmental sustainability.

The transition towards a scientific approach requires the implementation of robust data management systems, capable of transforming raw data—such as monthly average weights, fish counts, and feed usage per cage—into actionable information. Key calculations like the Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and FCR allow for the quantification of biological performance and feed efficiency (Talbot & Hole, 1994). These indicators form the basis for a rigorous analysis of the relationship between the ration supplied and the productive response.

A critical finding, supported by growth-ration analysis, is that most of the variability in SGR and FCR is not primarily due to uncontrollable biological or environmental factors, but to errors in judgment in determining the daily ration (Talbot, presentation). This underscores the need for tools that visualize these deviations, identifying overfed or underfed cages, and facilitating a continuous process of learning and optimization.

The construction of reliable growth and feeding models is a direct product of meticulous data management and growth-ration analysis. These models must be derived from data obtained under practical farming conditions, eliminating outliers and being based on known-to-be overfed fish to establish the relationship between ration and maximum growth, as well as on the ration that minimizes FCR once deviations have been corrected (Jobling, 2003). These models serve as a benchmark for interpreting actual production data, allowing for the explanation of observed variations and the optimization of feeding practices.

Beyond productive efficiency, these models enable precise resource management. They facilitate the projection of daily and cumulative feed requirements and the quantification of nutrient discharges such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which is crucial for environmental impact assessment (Bureau & Hua, 2010). The ability to predict and control these factors makes aquaculture a more predictable and sustainable activity.

In summary, growth-ration analysis is an indispensable tool for optimizing the performance of aquaculture farms. It transforms the practice from a subjective "art" to an evidence-based "science," enabling rational decisions regarding procedures, equipment, and overall management. As Talbot concludes, "the reason why you got a particular result is as important as the result itself." This principle guides a virtuous cycle of measurement, analysis, interpretation, understanding, and control, ultimately leading to continuous improvement.

At Pinuer Consulting, we transform aquaculture from an “art” based on perception into a science grounded in precise data and measurable results. Our expertise lies in developing and implementing rigorous growth–ration analysis, advanced feeding models, and objective performance evaluation systems that eliminate guesswork and maximize biological and economic outcomes.

With real-world operational experience in high-value marine species, we help farms replace subjective decision-making with actionable information derived from SGR, FCR, ration-to-growth relationships, and long-term performance datasets. This scientific approach allows producers to detect overfeeding and underfeeding, optimize feed efficiency, improve profitability, and reduce environmental impact.

We support producers in building robust data management frameworks, calibrating growth and feeding models under practical farming conditions, and understanding the true causes behind performance variability—turning raw data into strategic advantage.

If you’re ready to take your aquaculture operation to the next level with evidence-based management, predictive modeling, and expert technical guidance, Pinuer Consulting is ready to support your success. Reach out to us to implement a smarter, more efficient, and sustainably profitable production strategy.