Feed requirement plan

This is how much feed 1,000 animals need from fry to harvest. Tap a phase for pellet size, feeding rate, FCR and days.

Worked example at 22 °C · per 1,000 animals

  1. BR OptiStart 0⁠–⁠2 EXup to 0.5 g
    WeightPellet size (mm)Feeding rate (% per day)FCRDaysFeed
    up to 0.2 g0.15⁠–⁠0.35.00.50–≈ 0.1 kg
    0.2⁠–⁠0.5 g0.3⁠–⁠0.64.50.52≈ 11≈ 0.2 kg

    The duration of the fry stage varies greatly from farm to farm, so no figure is given.

    Product sheet BR OptiStart 0⁠–⁠2 EX
  2. BR OptiStart 3⁠–⁠4 EX0.5⁠–⁠5 g
    WeightPellet size (mm)Feeding rate (% per day)FCRDaysFeed
    0.5⁠–⁠2 g0.6⁠–⁠0.93.40.55≈ 22≈ 0.8 kg
    2⁠–⁠5 g0.9⁠–⁠1.22.80.58≈ 19≈ 1.7 kg
    Product sheet BR OptiStart 3⁠–⁠4 EX
  3. AF OptiStart 49/22 EX5⁠–⁠30 g
    WeightPellet size (mm)Feeding rate (% per day)FCRDaysFeed
    5⁠–⁠10 g1.42.30.60≈ 18≈ 3.0 kg
    10⁠–⁠30 g2.01.80.62≈ 38≈ 12 kg
    Product sheet AF OptiStart 49/22 EX
  4. ZFS 54/13,5 EX ● on request, from 3 t per pellet size30⁠–⁠1 kg
    WeightPellet size (mm)Feeding rate (% per day)FCRDaysFeed
    30⁠–⁠100 g †4.51.41.00≈ 86≈ 70 kg
    100⁠–⁠300 g4.51.01.00≈ 110≈ 200 kg
    300⁠–⁠1 kg60.71.10≈ 190≈ 770 kg
    Product sheet ZFS 54/13,5 EX
Harvest weight
1 kg
given
Avg. FCR
1.06
0 g → 1 kg
Growth days
≈ 495 days
0.2 g → 1 kg
Total feed
≈ 1.1 t
per 1,000 animals

Worked example from the catalogue, without losses, at constant temperature. In practice it takes longer and needs more feed. † extrapolated from the catalogue (assumption). FCR values under optimal conditions, according to the product sheet.

† 30⁠–⁠100 g: feed on request, calculated with ZFS 54/13,5 EX; feeding rate extrapolated using the size rule of the table.

FCR according to the product sheets, p. 46 (22 °C).

Calculate with your own figures

Suitable feeds

All feeds for this species, sorted by life stage. ● All feeds on request, from 3 t per pellet size.

● on request (from 3 t per pellet size): we only produce feeds with this symbol once you have ordered. All symbols and abbreviations in the glossary

Starter feed

Fingerling feed

RAS feed

  • ZFS 54/13,5 EX

    Fish weight
    100⁠–⁠1,000 g
    Pellet size
    4.5⁠–⁠6.0 mm
    achievable FCR*
    from 1.00
    Bag
    20 kg

    extruded, sinking● on request

Feeding recommendations by water temperature

For every feed for this species: the ration in kg per 100 kg fish per day, by weight and water temperature, as in the catalogue. Temperature optimum according to the catalogue

Starter feed · all fish species

Columns for warm-water species: Carp · African catfish · Tilapia · Pikeperch

Feeding recommendation BR OptiStart 0⁠–⁠2 EX · kg feed per 100 kg fish per day by water temperature (°C)
Fish weight (g)Pellet size (mm)achievable FCR20 °C22 °C24 °C26 °C28 °C, Optimum30 °C
Larval size0⁠–⁠0.150.504.35.05.66.06.2 (Optimum)5.6
up to 0.20.15⁠–⁠0.30.504.35.05.66.06.2 (Optimum)5.6
0.2⁠–⁠0.50.3⁠–⁠0.60.523.94.55.05.45.6 (Optimum)5.0

Under optimal environmental conditions. Based on customer results and experience.

The information on the bag or big bag label is binding. All information is for guidance only; subject to change.

Product sheet as PDF: BR OptiStart 0⁠–⁠2 EX

Columns for warm-water species: Carp · African catfish · Tilapia · Pikeperch

Feeding recommendation BR OptiStart 3⁠–⁠4 EX · kg feed per 100 kg fish per day by water temperature (°C)
Fish weight (g)Pellet size (mm)achievable FCR20 °C22 °C24 °C26 °C, Optimum28 °C, Optimum30 °C
0.5⁠–⁠20.6⁠–⁠0.90.553.03.43.94.2 (Optimum)4.3 (Optimum)3.9
2⁠–⁠50.9⁠–⁠1.20.582.42.83.23.4 (Optimum)3.5 (Optimum)3.2

Under optimal environmental conditions. Based on customer results and experience.

The information on the bag or big bag label is binding. All information is for guidance only; subject to change.

Product sheet as PDF: BR OptiStart 3⁠–⁠4 EX

Fingerling feed · all fish species

Columns for warm-water species: Carp · African catfish · Tilapia · Pikeperch

Feeding recommendation AF OptiStart 50/15 EX · kg feed per 100 kg fish per day by water temperature (°C)
Fish weight (g)Pellet size (mm)achievable FCR20 °C22 °C24 °C26 °C28 °C, Optimum30 °C
5⁠–⁠101.40.652.02.32.62.82.9 (Optimum)2.6
10⁠–⁠252.00.671.71.92.22.32.4 (Optimum)2.2
25⁠–⁠502.00.701.31.51.71.81.9 (Optimum)1.7

Under optimal environmental conditions. Based on customer results and experience.

The information on the bag or big bag label is binding. All information is for guidance only; subject to change.

Product sheet as PDF: AF OptiStart 50/15 EX

Columns for warm-water species: Carp · African catfish · Tilapia · Pikeperch

Feeding recommendation AF OptiStart 49/22 EX · kg feed per 100 kg fish per day by water temperature (°C)
Fish weight (g)Pellet size (mm)achievable FCR20 °C22 °C24 °C26 °C28 °C, Optimum30 °C
5⁠–⁠101.40.602.02.32.62.82.9 (Optimum)2.6
10⁠–⁠302.00.621.51.82.02.12.2 (Optimum)2.0

Under optimal environmental conditions. Based on customer results and experience.

The information on the bag or big bag label is binding. All information is for guidance only; subject to change.

Product sheet as PDF: AF OptiStart 49/22 EX

RAS feed · pikeperch

Feeding recommendation ZFS 54/13,5 EX · kg feed per 100 kg fish per day by water temperature (°C)
Fish weight (g)Pellet size (mm)achievable FCR18 °C20 °C22 °C24 °C, Optimum26 °C, Optimum
100⁠–⁠3004.51.000.70.91.01.2 (Optimum)1.2 (Optimum)
300⁠–⁠1,00061.100.50.60.70.8 (Optimum)0.8 (Optimum)

Under optimal environmental conditions. Based on customer results and experience.

The information on the bag or big bag label is binding. All information is for guidance only; subject to change.

Product sheet as PDF: ZFS 54/13,5 EX

Feeding recommendation ZFS 52/13,5 ExS (swim) · kg feed per 100 kg fish per day by water temperature (°C)
Fish weight (g)Pellet size (mm)achievable FCR18 °C20 °C22 °C24 °C, Optimum26 °C, Optimum
100⁠–⁠3004.51.000.70.91.01.2 (Optimum)1.2 (Optimum)
300⁠–⁠1,00061.100.50.60.70.8 (Optimum)0.8 (Optimum)

Under optimal environmental conditions. Based on customer results and experience.

The information on the bag or big bag label is binding. All information is for guidance only; subject to change.

Product sheet as PDF: ZFS 52/13,5 ExS (swim)

Water parameters

Guide values from the technical literature and mill data. They do not replace measurements in your system, but they show you where to look.

Optimum
22⁠–⁠26 °C
Oxygen
4⁠–⁠10 mg/l
pH range
6.5⁠–⁠8.5
Stocking density
40⁠–⁠80 kg/m³
Temperature in the worked example
22 °C

Sources: TransFarm/Interreg Central Baltic (2023) for trout, sturgeon, carp, African catfish, tilapia, pikeperch; NRC (1993)/NCRAC (2003) for tilapia oxygen; Crustaceans in general (TransFarm); outlet values for trout and sturgeon and the trout optimum: mill data. Catalogue example = temperature of the worked examples.

All water parameters at a glance

Typical questions

How do I find the feed that performs best in my system?

Three details decide: species, fish weight and water temperature. They determine the feed line, pellet size and energy content. The feeding rate is in the table on the product sheet. Send us your farm data and we will calculate the plan for your system.

Read more: Find feed

How do I change pellet size or feed without losing growth?

Where the weight classes overlap, mix the old and new pellet size for 3⁠–⁠5 days. A change of feed is best planned with us: the feeding plan shows which feed comes in when.

Read more: Request a feeding plan

What do I do if oxygen falls or the temperature is above the optimum?

Increase the oxygen supply shortly before each feeding, by as much as the feeding will use on top. That way your fish have enough oxygen during the meal and afterwards. Read the optimum temperature for your feed from its feeding table: it is where the feeding rate is highest.

Read more: Feeding by temperature and oxygen

How do I check whether the feed's FCR is right?

FCR = kg feed ÷ kg weight gain, for the same period and the same tank. Record the amount actually fed (calibrate your feeders), subtract uneaten feed and include losses in the biomass. Compare the result with the achievable FCR on the product sheet: it applies under optimal conditions.

Read more: Key figures FCR, SGR, TGC

All frequently asked questions