Fish Meal vs Soy Protein Concentrate for Aquafeed
Soy protein concentrate (SPC) is the plant protein of choice for salmon feed globally, and increasingly for shrimp and marine species. It replaces a meaningful share of fish meal cost while meeting digestibility and anti-nutritional targets that ordinary soybean meal cannot.
Fish meal (65% CP)
- Best amino acid profile and DHA/EPA content
- Palatability leader in starter diets
- Recognised across all aquaculture markets
- Highest cost, limited by fishery quotas
- Sustainability scrutiny in EU salmon industry
- — Marine finfish starter and larval diets
- — Shrimp broodstock and PL diets
Soy protein concentrate (SPC, 60–65% CP)
- Significantly cheaper per unit protein
- Anti-nutritional factors reduced vs SBM (removed alcohol-solubles)
- Sustainable, non-fishery-dependent supply
- GMO/non-GMO options for EU salmon feed
- Lower palatability than fish meal — often needs attractants
- No taurine, DHA, EPA — must be supplemented
- Premium over SBM (typically USD 300–500/MT)
- — Salmon grow-out feed (industry default plant protein)
- — Shrimp grow-out at 15–25% inclusion
- — Buyers with sustainability targets or MSC-linked pricing
| Criterion | Fish meal (65% CP) | Soy protein concentrate (SPC, 60–65% CP) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical landed cost / MT (2025 indicative) | USD 1,650–2,100 | USD 800–1,050 (EU spec, non-GMO premium extra) |
| Impact in salmon grow-out diet | Baseline protein cost | USD 60–120/MT feed saving at typical inclusion |
| Metabolizable energy (fish) | ~4,100 kcal/kg (species-dependent) | ~3,800 kcal/kg |
| Quality risk to monitor | TVN, histamine, oxidation, salmonella | Trypsin inhibitor residuals, oligosaccharides, particle size |
SPC has largely replaced fish meal at grow-out stage in Norwegian and Chilean salmon feed formulas. Fish meal remains dominant in starter diets and in shrimp broodstock. Contract SPC to specific ANF residual specs (trypsin inhibitor, oligosaccharides) — not all SPCs perform equally in aquafeed.
Frequently asked questions
What ANF spec should I demand from SPC suppliers?
Is non-GMO SPC required for EU salmon feed?
Can SPC fully replace fish meal?
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