Turbot

All feed formulas developed by Aller Aqua at the Aller Aqua Research Centre follow these requirements to ensure proper growth and health:

• Protein Needs: Juveniles and growing turbot require 50–55% crude protein, typically sourced from fishmeal and high-quality marine ingredients. Adults can be sustained with diets slightly lower in protein (45–50%).

• Fat and Energy Needs: Fat content ranges from 10–18%, depending on life stage and water temperature. Lipids provide essential fatty acids (notably EPA and DHA) and contribute significantly to energy intake.

• Essential Nutrients:

Vitamins: A, D3, E, C, and B-complex for growth, bone health, and immune function.

Minerals: Phosphorus, calcium, selenium, zinc, and magnesium are essential for metabolic and skeletal health.

Amino Acids: High levels of essential amino acids like lysine and methionine are crucial for efficient protein utilization.

• Feed Composition: Modern turbot diets often use a mix of marine and terrestrial protein sources, including fishmeal, krill meal, soy protein concentrate, and wheat gluten, along with fish oil or alternative lipid sources.

The range of solutions developed by Aller Aqua is suitable for each stage of the fish lifecycle as well as the following farming methods:

• Culture Systems: Turbot is typically farmed in land-based tanks or raceways, often using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to tightly control water quality, temperature, and waste.

• Environmental Conditions:

• Temperature: Optimal range is 14–18°C.

• Salinity: Marine water (full salinity, ~35 ppt) is preferred.

• Substrate: Tanks are designed to mimic the flat, bottom-dwelling nature of turbot. Smooth tank bottoms help support fish behavior and reduce injury.

• Stocking Density:
  Lower than other species to minimize stress and injuries—typically 10–25 kg/m², depending on tank size and life stage.

• Feeding Practices:
  Turbot are fed sinking, slow-moving pellets to suit their benthic feeding behavior. Feeding is often automated and adjusted according to growth and temperature.

• Growth & Harvest:
  Market size (1.5–2.5 kg) is typically reached in 18–24 months, depending on water temperature and feed efficiency.

A carefully selected composition of raw materials and verified feed formulas ensure that the fish is rich in minerals and vitamins, and at the same time that the texture of meat is of the highest quality. We make sure that fish grown using solutions provided by Aller Aqua offer the following benefits:

• Nutritional Value:
  Turbot is a lean, high-protein fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus, making it a heart-healthy and nutrient-dense choice.

• Premium Culinary Quality:
  Turbot is regarded as a luxury seafood item, prized for its firm, white flesh and delicate flavor. It is commonly served in fine dining establishments, often steamed, poached, or roasted whole.

• Food Safety and Quality Control:
  Farmed turbot undergoes strict quality monitoring and is typically free from environmental contaminants and parasites, offering a safe and traceable seafood product.

Though turbot farming is resource-intensive, modern RAS and improvements in feed formulation are helping reduce environmental impacts. Certifications (e.g., GlobalG.A.P.) promote responsible farming practices.