To reduce the footprint from our activities, we have made several responsible and purposeful choices regarding feed composition.
We work actively to keep the FIFO ratio as low as possible (FIFO= Fish in/Fish out). This is achieved through the careful selection of raw materials. Our FIFO goal is to use less than 1 kg of wild fish as raw material in fish feed for the production of 1 kg of farmed salmon. In 2019, the FIFO ratio achieved was 0.69.
Lerøy aims to utilise cuttings from wild catches as much as possible in feed. The minimum ratio of cuttings in Lerøy's feed is 5% of the marine raw materials for Lerøy Salmon™ weighing more than 1 kg.
Through ownership of Lerøy Havfisk, Lerøy has a fantastic future potential for use of cuttings and residual raw material.
To decrease our footprint, and help feeding a growing population, Lerøy is always looking for new sustainable raw materials to feed our fish while not competing with products that can be used directly for human consumption.
To maintain the beneficial health effects for both fish and humans, we aim for raw materials with a high content of Omega-3, especially essential fatty acids (EPA/DHA). Protein sources that minimise dependency on soy are also a high priority.
Lerøy was the first producer to add microalgae comercially to salmon feed. Naturally found in the marine environment, the algae used in the feed are grown/cultivated on land in fermentation tanks. The production process involves feeding nutrients to the algae so that they grow and accumulate Omega-3 fatty acids.
The microalgae are produced with low carbon, water and land use impacts.
Regarding DHA content, one tonne of algae Omega-3 is the equivalent of 40 tonnes of wild caught fish from our oceans. Lerøy Salmon™ is fed with microalgae.
Through active and constructive dialog with both the market and regulatory institutions, Lerøy has the world's leading track record for being a prime mover on many issues of salmonid feed choices.
ZERO SALMON OIL
We do not use raw materials from the same species for ethical reasons, and therefore do not use salmon oil in Lerøy feed.
ZERO GMOs
The end consumer, particularly in Europe, does not want genetically modified raw materials in fish feed. Lerøy has chosen not to use GMOs in fish feed.
ZERO ETHOXYQUIN
We do not use Ethoxyquin in raw materials for fish feed.
ZERO bone or blood meal from land animals (mammals)
We do not use bone or blood meal from mammals in our fish feed.
ZERO chitin inhibitors
Chitin synthesis inhibitors, such as diflubenzuron and teflubenzuron, have been shown to present a risk of harm for other sea life. We do not use chitin inhibitors in our feed.
