SuperSmolt Feed Only

For the last 10 years, the Scottish Aquaculture industry has been using the SuperSmolt^® programme to produce tens of millions of optimally smoltified salmon from tank-based systems.

SuperSmolt Feed Only offers efficient smoltification of SO, S1 and even larger smolt. The method constitutes a major milestone for better fish welfare and production profitability.

SuperSmolt^® Feed Only continues to provide massive benefits for both smolt producers and ongrowers:

• Flexibility
  SuperSmolt^® fish never desmoltify, giving you greater control over seawater transfer dates.
• Enhanced production
  SuperSmolt^® can be used to optimise production by producing smolts earlier or larger.
• Better smolts
  SuperSmolt^® fish come on to feed quicker and more evenly post transfer.
• Improved health and welfare
  SuperSmolt^® reduces stress, disease susceptibility and mortality following transfer.

SuperSmolt as a tool to prevent nephrocalsinosis

Why is smoltification so crucial?

Smoltification involves far more than the basic ability of the fish to withstand seawater during the first month post-transfer. It is a fundamental and comprehensive physiological process that has decisive importance for how well the fish will grow at sea and its resilience against seawater bacteria and other pathogens. The difference between parr and smolt is fundamental — and, like most things in nature, completely logical.

• In the river, nutrient availability is very low. Growth hormone production is therefore downregulated. The smolt, on the other hand, is heading out into a world where it must grow a lot and fast — and where that opportunity exists. Smoltification therefore involves a dramatic upregulation of growth hormone, which is obviously highly relevant for salmon farming.
• In the river, the range of pathogens is very different from what the fish will encounter at sea. Smoltification therefore fundamentally changes the fish’s immune system. The antiviral part of the immune system is downregulated, while the non-specific immune defence is upregulated to handle a wide diversity of pathogens the fish may encounter in the sea.

Prevalence of bacterial diseases that cause high mortality and quality downgrades, makes it more important than ever to ensure the fish has the very best possible starting point when transferred to sea.