February 05, 2025, Salmon Group, representing more than 40 salmon farmers and combined as one of Norway's largest salmon producers, incorporates krill meal into their winter feed diet. This decision makes krill meal available to an expanded network of salmon farmers, marking a substantial development in sustainable aquaculture practices.
"At Salmon Group, we prioritize fish health and welfare, which drives our commitment to finding the best ingredients and feed compositions. Krill is part of the fish's natural diet and, therefore, a valuable ingredient in our new winter feed. The reception among our shareholders has been positive so far. We are excited to see further results from the new winter feed and look forward to learning from our farmers' experiences," says Bjørn Morten Myrtvedt, Director Product at Salmon Group.
The collaboration between Aker QRILL Company and Salmon Group, signifies a significant step forward in advancing sustainable feeding practices in aquaculture.
"We are grateful for our partnership with Salmon Group," says Maja Bævre-Jensen, Business Development Director at Aker QRILL Company. "Salmon Group consistently demonstrates their role as a forward-thinking company that actively seeks new opportunities and knowledge for the benefit of their stakeholders. We are excited to observe the results and gather valuable insights from this new diet that incorporates krill meal."
Key Benefits of krill meal in salmon feed
Krill meal offers several crucial benefits for salmon, particularly during the challenging winter season when fish face increased vulnerability. The ingredient serves as a natural feed stimulant, boosting appetite when cold temperatures typically reduce fish feeding activity. Its unique nutritional profile includes a powerful combination of key components that support fish health: high levels of EPA and DHA fatty acids in phospholipid form, which are directly linked to improved skin health and overall robustness in fish. The phospholipid structure ensures these nutrients are readily available to support tissue health rather than being metabolized.
A particularly important component in krill meal is Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which plays a vital role in maintaining fish health during winter months. TMAO acts as a potent osmolyte, helping salmon regulate their fluid balance - a critical function when cold temperatures affect their normal drinking patterns. Krill naturally contains high levels of TMAO due to their daily vertical migrations in the ocean, and this beneficial compound is preserved through careful processing from harvest to feed production.
The comprehensive nutrient package in krill meal includes minerals, vitamins, proteins, nucleotides, and antioxidants - all crucial elements for maintaining a strong immune system and supporting cell and tissue renewal. This becomes particularly important during winter months when salmon face increased vulnerability due to cold water temperatures and potentially stressful conditions. The high digestibility of proteins in krill meal provides salmon with essential building blocks needed for generating new cells and tissue, supporting overall fish welfare during challenging conditions. As a natural part of salmon's wild diet, krill meal's inclusion in feed formulations helps ensure optimal nutrition during the demanding winter season.
About Aker QRILL Company
Aker QRILL Company is the world’s leading krill company, delivering premium ingredients for human and animal nutrition. Our operations and development are backed by rigorous science and research into krill’s benefits. Sustainability is at the core of our operations, rooted in world-class standards.
The company develops krill-based ingredients for aquaculture (QRILL™ Aqua), animal feed applications (QRILL™ Pet), and nutraceutical human health products.
About Salmon Group
Salmon Group is Norway's largest network of local, family-owned fish farming and aquaculture companies. The organization represents independent fish farmers who collectively form one of the country's largest salmon producers. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Salmon Group works to ensure sustainable development and optimal conditions for its member companies, focusing on fish welfare, environmental responsibility, and quality production.
For more information, contact:
Tormod Sandstø
Communications Director
Aker QRILL Company
+4790943215