Abstract-based review · 2023
Fermented soybean meal replacing fishmeal protein in coho salmon
The highest fermented-soybean treatment improved growth and several biochemical measures. Survival and feed intake did not change.
Review scope
Abstract-based review. Full methods, complete statistical results and product equivalence have not been appraised. This is research context, not an individual feeding or treatment recommendation.
Study question and design
Juvenile coho salmon averaging approximately 152 g; four groups with three replicates. 12 weeks of matched-protein and matched-lipid diets with fishmeal, unfermented soybean meal and fermented soybean meal contributing different protein proportions.
Main findings
The highest fermented-soybean treatment improved growth and several biochemical measures. Survival and feed intake did not change.
Limitations and applicability
Protein-contribution percentages are not total dietary inclusion percentages. Results concern a particular fermented preparation in salmon aquaculture, not all ornamental fish.
Ingredients investigated
Multi-ingredient formulations
Soybean meal
Multi ingredient · coho_salmon. Juvenile coho salmon averaging about 152 g; four groups with three replicates.
Tested form: Unfermented soybean meal contributing 10% protein with 18% fish-meal protein. Dose: 18% fish-meal protein plus 10% soybean-meal protein (Dietary protein contribution percentages, not percentage of the whole food; oral feeding). Duration: 12 weeks. Comparator: Control diet with 28% fish-meal protein.
Measured finding: The diet replacing 10 percentage points of fish-meal protein with fermented soybean-meal protein improved growth and some biological measures; survival and feed intake did not change. This result is not a separate estimate for the mixed or unfermented arms.
Limitations: Species-specific juvenile salmon experiment with protein-source replacement. Fermentation and diet composition matter; mixed-source arms do not isolate fermentation as the sole cause.
This ingredient was part of a combined formulation; the study does not isolate its contribution.
Soybean meal
Multi ingredient · coho_salmon. Juvenile coho salmon averaging about 152 g; four groups with three replicates.
Tested form: Diet combining unfermented and fermented soybean meal. Dose: 18% fish-meal protein plus 5% soybean-meal protein plus 5% fermented-soybean-meal protein (Dietary protein contribution percentages, not percentage of the whole food; oral feeding). Duration: 12 weeks. Comparator: Control diet with 28% fish-meal protein.
Measured finding: The diet replacing 10 percentage points of fish-meal protein with fermented soybean-meal protein improved growth and some biological measures; survival and feed intake did not change. This result is not a separate estimate for the mixed or unfermented arms.
Limitations: Species-specific juvenile salmon experiment with protein-source replacement. Fermentation and diet composition matter; mixed-source arms do not isolate fermentation as the sole cause.
This ingredient was part of a combined formulation; the study does not isolate its contribution.
Soybean meal
Multi ingredient · coho_salmon. Juvenile coho salmon averaging about 152 g; four groups with three replicates.
Tested form: Fermented soybean meal replacing part of the fish-meal protein. Dose: 18% fish-meal protein plus 10% fermented-soybean-meal protein (Dietary protein contribution percentages, not percentage of the whole food; oral feeding). Duration: 12 weeks. Comparator: Control diet with 28% fish-meal protein.
Measured finding: The diet replacing 10 percentage points of fish-meal protein with fermented soybean-meal protein improved growth and some biological measures; survival and feed intake did not change. This result is not a separate estimate for the mixed or unfermented arms.
Limitations: Species-specific juvenile salmon experiment with protein-source replacement. Fermentation and diet composition matter; mixed-source arms do not isolate fermentation as the sole cause.
This ingredient was part of a combined formulation; the study does not isolate its contribution.
Evidence.pet interpretation
Apply this result only within its species, preparation and study conditions. An ingredient listing alone does not establish that a commercial product reproduces the tested intervention.
Funding and conflicts
Not established from the reviewed abstract.
Ingredient references
These are research references. The tested form, dose and formulation must be matched before using a result to support a product claim.
Source
Zhang Q et al. Evaluation of Fermented Soybean Meal to Replace a Portion Fish Meal on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and mTOR Signaling Pathway of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Aquaculture Nutrition. 2023. DOI: 10.1155/2023/2558173.
Primary source record (PMID 37533794) · Publisher DOI
Reviewed 2 October 2026 · Next review 2 January 2027.