Use of Phytogenics: A natural supplement for animal health and welfare in aquaculture
- Jorge Martinez
- Nov 18, 2025
- 3 min read
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 proving to be a strategic tool that can directly impact an operation's bottom line. Here are three key ways phytogenics are changing the game.
1. A Natural Shield: Fortifying Health from Within
For decades, the industry has operated on a reactive model for disease management. An outbreak occurs, and treatments are administered. Phytogenics, such as terpenes and terpenoids from essential oils, flip this model on its head by creating a proactive wellness shield. They work by stimulating the fish's own immune system, making the entire population more resilient.
Business Impact: This isn't just about "healthier fish"; it's about financial resilience. A strengthened biomass means lower mortality rates, reduced spending on antibiotics, and a more predictable and stable production cycle. It’s a direct investment in de-risking your harvest.
2. The Sustainable Answer to Ectoparasites
The battle against ectoparasites like sea lice (Caligus) is a major operational and financial drain, particularly in salmon farming. The reliance on chemical baths and treatments is costly, stressful for the fish, and faces growing environmental scrutiny.
The research highlights the remarkable efficacy of specific terpenes (like citral from lemongrass oil and 1,8-cineole from eucalyptus) against these parasites.
Business Impact: Integrating these compounds into a feeding or water management strategy provides a powerful tool to complement or reduce the frequency of harsh chemical treatments. This not only cuts direct treatment costs but also minimizes stock stress and significantly boosts the sustainability credentials of your brand.
3. Turning Animal Welfare into a Performance Metric
Handling, grading, and transport are necessary evils that cause significant stress, which acts as a silent profit killer. A stressed fish stops eating, has a suppressed immune system, and exhibits poor growth.
The paper highlights the proven sedative and anesthetic effects of certain phytogenics, such as S-linalool. These compounds allow for smoother handling with fish that recover and return to feeding far more quickly.
Business Impact: This is where welfare directly translates to performance. Less stress means a faster return to feeding, which protects your Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and maintains growth momentum. Every hour a fish is off its feed is a loss in potential biomass; phytogenics help you reclaim that potential.
From Promising Science to Practical Strategy
The evidence is clear: phytogenics offer a powerful, multi-faceted advantage. However, their potential is only realized through strategic implementation. Challenges such as low bioavailability, dosage variations, and complex interactions require expert oversight.
Simply adding a new supplement to the feed is not a strategy. A successful program involves:
Selecting the right compounds for your specific challenges.
Ensuring proper formulation for effective delivery and absorption.
Designing protocols to measure the impact on your key performance indicators (KPIs).
At Pinuer Consulting, we specialize in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and financial results. We help our clients design and implement data-driven phytogenic strategies that enhance operational health, sustainability, and, most importantly, profitability.
If you're ready to explore how this green revolution can transform your operation, contact us for a strategic consultation.
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