Fishmeal feed: properties, grades and applications / Articles

Fishmeal is a highly nutritious feed product produced from non-food fish species, marine mammals, crustaceans and invertebrates, as well as from by-products of food fish processing. It is one of the most valuable sources of animal protein in the compound feed industry, approaching the amino acid composition of chicken egg protein and surpassing most plant proteins. Fishmeal occupies a strategic position in the feeding of farm animals, poultry and, especially, aquaculture, where it accounts for about 68% of global consumption.

Chemical Nature and Composition

The nutritional value of fishmeal is based on crude protein, the content of which, depending on the raw material and processing technology, ranges from 50% to 72%, and in particularly high-quality products can reach 74%. Fishmeal proteins are characterised by a balanced amino acid composition, rich in lysine, methionine, cystine, threonine and tryptophan. The digestibility of fishmeal by animals and poultry reaches 89–92%, making it a reference source of protein.

In addition to protein, fishmeal contains fat (from 5% to 14%, in krill meal — up to 18%), rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as a complex of vitamins (A, D, E, B group) and minerals. Calcium content reaches 13%, phosphorus — 5.0–5.5%. The phosphorus contained in fishmeal is fully absorbed by poultry and farm animals. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in fishmeal ranges from 10:1 to 5:1, which optimally complements vegetable fats in the diet.

Classification, Grades and Standards

In Russia and CIS countries, requirements for fishmeal are established by GOST 2116-2000 "Feed meal from fish, marine mammals, crustaceans and invertebrates. Specifications". According to the standard, the mass fraction of crude protein must be at least:

50% — in meal from fish, squid and marine mammals;
42% — in meal from shrimp and krill;
36% — in meal from crabs.

The standard also regulates fat content: not more than 14% for meal from fish and other raw materials (except krill) and not more than 18% for krill meal. The production of meal with a fat mass fraction of more than 14% is allowed provided that the moisture mass fraction does not exceed 8%. The moisture mass fraction must not exceed 12%, table salt — 5%, calcium — 13%, phosphorus — 5.0% (for krill — 5.5%). The content of antioxidant (agidol or ionol) should be not more than 0.1%, carbamide — 0.12–0.3%.

By quality, fishmeal is divided into grades and distinguished by grinding degree (coarse or fine). Quality is assessed by organoleptic indicators (colour, odour, consistency), as well as by protein, fat, moisture content and safety indicators. The presence of foreign impurities (hair, plant particles) is not allowed and indicates possible adulteration.

Production Technology

Fishmeal production includes several stages: grinding of raw materials, cooking, pressing (to remove fat and water), drying and milling. To obtain one tonne of fishmeal, about 5–6 tonnes of raw material must be processed. The technology includes special treatment, drying and grinding, as well as the addition of antioxidants in accordance with GOST 2116-2000 to prevent fat oxidation. The largest production volumes in Russia occur in the first three months of the year (January–March), due to the fishing season.

A key factor in quality is the freshness of raw materials and the absence of foreign additives. With an expired shelf life or oxidised fat, a rancid odour appears in the product. Modern technologies are aimed at increasing protein content and reducing fat content, which is especially important for premium aquaculture segments.

Applications and Inclusion Rates

Fishmeal is a key component of compound feeds for all types of farm animals and poultry, as well as for aquaculture. Recommended inclusion rates:

Broiler chickens: 7% in starter feed, 3% in finisher feed.
Adult poultry: 2–3%.
Piglets 4–10 weeks: 5% (starter); over 10 weeks — 3%.
Breeding sows: from 2% to 10%.
Fish: from 5% (cyprinids) to 30–50% (salmonids).
Shrimp: from 30% to 50%.
Cattle: up to 10%.

The main consumer of fishmeal in the world is aquaculture (about 68%), with about 25% used for poultry and pig feed. Limiting factors for consumption are the high cost of the product, as well as the acquisition of a specific odour in milk and meat of animals with excessive feeding. Dairy cattle and animals in the final fattening period are given fishmeal in small amounts and with low fat content.

Safety and Storage

Fishmeal belongs to products requiring strict safety control. Small fish and krill are capable of accumulating heavy metals from water, so legislation establishes maximum concentrations of lead (5.0 mg/kg), cadmium (0.3 mg/kg), mercury (0.5 mg/kg), copper (80.0 mg/kg), zinc (100.0 mg/kg) and arsenic (2.0 mg/kg). The content of pesticides (HCH — 0.2 mg/kg, DDT and its metabolites — 0.4 mg/kg), pathogenic microflora (not allowed) and radionuclides is also standardised.

Fishmeal storage is carried out in dry, well-ventilated rooms, in hermetic packaging that protects against moisture and contamination. Shelf life depends on fat content: meal with a high fat content (over 18%) cannot be stored for long. A product with an expired shelf life or oxidised fat acquires a rancid odour and is not allowed for feeding. Meal is a combustible material, so fire safety measures must be observed during storage.

Market and Trends

Global fishmeal production exceeds 5 million tonnes per year. The largest producers are Peru, Chile and Thailand, with Peru accounting for a significant share of global exports. According to FAO, in 2025 Peru exported 1.277 million tonnes of fishmeal (compared with 1.010 million tonnes in 2024 and 527 thousand tonnes in 2023). China remains the dominant destination, purchasing 999 thousand tonnes, or 78% of Peruvian exports and about half of all Chinese fishmeal imports.

In 2026, global fishmeal production fell sharply — by 49% in the first seven months compared to the same period in 2025, due to reduced anchovy catch quotas in Peru and Chile (Peru's quotas reduced by 30%, Chile's — by 44%). This led to a record price increase: in May 2026, the price of super prime fishmeal FOB Peru reached **$2,500 per tonne** against $1,400 a year earlier. Prices are likely to remain high until the end of 2026 due to strong demand, primarily in the Chinese market.

Russia is actively increasing production and exports of fishmeal. In 2025, production amounted to 167,600 tonnes (a decrease of 13% to 2024 due to reduced pollock catch), but in the first half of 2026 the volume reached 96,300 tonnes (+6.4%). Exports in January–April 2026 amounted to 68,300 tonnes worth **$100 million**, with a forecast for the year of 135,000–145,000 tonnes worth $160 million. The main buyers are China (56%), Japan (18%), South Korea (13%). In January–September 2026, Russia supplied China with 104,000 tonnes of fishmeal worth $242 million (+53%). The concentration of production in the Far East (92%) creates logistical risks: delivery from Vladivostok to Belgorod doubles the cost of the product.

Key industry trends include: rising protein prices (from January 2023 to August 2026, the price of meal with 57–64% protein increased by 45%, with 64–68% — by 60%, with 69–72% — by almost 50%, to a record RUB 268/kg), increased imports of high-protein meal for the domestic market, and the technological lag of Russian producers, who mainly produce medium-protein meal (55–60% protein), which limits its use in high-intensity aquaculture systems. To produce high-protein meal (65% and above), production lines need to be modernised with investments of RUB 2.5–3.5 billion per plant. Forecast for fishmeal production in Russia by 2030: base scenario — 185,000–195,000 tonnes, optimistic — 210,000–220,000 tonnes, pessimistic — 155,000–165,000 tonnes.

Conclusion

Fishmeal feed remains a strategically important product of global feed production and aquaculture. Understanding quality standards (GOST 2116-2000), requirements for protein, fat and safety content, inclusion rates in rations for various animals, and production technologies is the basis for competent product selection for specific purposes — from feeding broilers and pigs to high-intensity aquaculture of salmonids and shrimp. Organising fishmeal supplies, including grade selection and quality control, requires an individual approach.