How Are Salmon Farmed? A Detailed Explanation of Methods and Key Technical Points

Salmon is the species we commonly eat as sashimi. According to recent news reports, most of the salmon we eat in the future will be farmed freshwater salmon. This is because the market demand for salmon is growing larger and larger, but the time available for artificial farming is limited, and wild salmon are also very difficult to catch. So a large wave of salmon farming has begun, but this is still an emerging aquaculture industry, and many people do not know how to farm them. Today, the editor brings you the farming methods for salmon.

1. Species

Salmon is the common name for some fish in the Salmonidae family. Salmon includes Atlantic salmon, Pacific salmon, and other fish, and these salmonid fish are all commonly called salmon. Therefore, before farming, you must choose a good species. High-quality species can make the later farming process much more efficient. Because most artificial farming is freshwater farming, the species must be suitable for freshwater and have strong disease resistance; otherwise, it will be unfavorable for later economic returns.

2. Water quality

Salmon itself lives in the ocean, so when using freshwater for farming, the cleanliness of the freshwater must be guaranteed. Do not casually draw water from certain ponds or rivers. Line the salmon farming area with new cement, and after it dries, soak the pond with water for at least two months. If an old cement pond is used, then 7-10 days before stocking the fry, a fungicide should be used to disinfect the inside of the pond. The water depth of the pond should be around 1-1.5 m.

3. Density

The farming density must absolutely not be too high. Per cubic meter, stock at most 50 salmon of 30-50 grams each, because salmon have very strong growth capacity. After 5-6 months of rearing, these 50 salmon can reach 1-2 jin in weight. If the farming density is too high, the salmon will receive uneven nutrition and compete for food, making it impossible to ensure that every fish gets sufficient nutrition. Therefore, the farming density must be strictly controlled. Fry can be stocked starting in April each spring.

4. Feed

For feed, it is best to use pelleted feed and trained feeding. The coarse feed must contain nearly half protein. If the water temperature is below 8°C, then feed at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. If the water temperature is between 8-15°C, then add at least one more feeding per day, once each in the morning, noon, and evening, but note that each feeding only needs to ensure each salmon is about 80% full.

5. Water temperature

Most salmon are cold-water fish, so their requirements for water temperature are relatively strict. The most suitable water temperature for salmon growth is 13-15°C, but if using well water, it should be controlled at 8°C. During the farming period, in spring and winter when air temperatures are low, a thermometer needs to be added to the pond, and plastic bags can be covered over the shed frame to raise the pond water temperature. In summer when temperatures are higher, well water should often be used for water changes to lower the pond water temperature.

Alright, the above is all about salmon farming techniques. Although salmon mainly live in the salt water of the ocean, they can also adapt well to freshwater environments. The only thing requiring special attention is water temperature, because the water temperature suitable for salmon is relatively low. Too high a temperature will make it impossible for salmon to survive and greatly increase the mortality rate of salmon. To learn more related information, please continue to follow Qinnong Network!