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Between 1997 and 2019, the Aqualande group conducted a genetic selection program for rainbow trout over 10 generations, based on the principles established by INRAE and SYSAAF. In parallel, non-selected rainbow trout from the same original population were kept. To evaluate the performance gain linked to the selection, INRAE, Aqualande and SYSAAF participated in the European collaborative research program AquaImpact during which they were able to compare the two groups of fish, selected and non-selected, for growth and morphology, as well as for fillet yield and lipid content. Based on INRAE's work, they also produced a sustainable feed, without fish oil or fish meal, and without soy to limit extra-European imports. This feed is produced with original ingredients from France and Europe, such as potato proteins or micro-algae. For 110 days, one part of the trout from both groups was fed with this feed, and the other part with a standard commercial feed, containing fish meal and fish oil.

The results show that the trout from the selection program need 17% to 20% less feed than the non-selected trout to achieve the same growth. In addition, their fillets have a higher lipid content, which improves their nutritional and taste quality. Whether fed the sustainable feed or the standard feed, trout in both groups grew equally well. The addition of microalgae in the formulation of the sustainable feed ensures the nutritional quality of the fillets, which contain as much long-chain omega-3 fatty acids[1] as fillets from trout fed the feed containing fish oil.

This study shows that breeding programs and the development of sustainable feeds are two important levers to reduce the environmental impact of farmed fish production and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable aquaculture.