Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Oxygen Management • Mortality Rates • Biosecurity

Feed Conversion

Term from Aquaculture industry explained for recruiters

Feed Conversion is a key measurement in fish farming that shows how efficiently animals turn food into body weight. It's calculated by comparing how much food is given to fish versus how much weight they gain. A lower number is better, as it means less feed is needed to produce more fish. This concept is crucial for fish farms because feed is often their biggest expense, so good feed conversion means the operation is more profitable and environmentally sustainable.

Examples in Resumes

Improved Feed Conversion rates from 1.8 to 1.4 in salmon farming operation

Managed feed programs achieving optimal Feed Conversion Ratio for 12 fish pens

Supervised feeding operations and monitored FCR metrics across multiple species

Typical job title: "Feed Managers"

Also try searching for:

Aquaculture Feed Specialist Fish Farm Manager Feed Program Manager Aquaculture Production Manager Fish Nutrition Specialist Feed Operations Supervisor

Where to Find Feed Managers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Industry Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a strategy to improve feed conversion rates across multiple fish species?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should discuss analyzing current feeding practices, implementing monitoring systems, training staff, choosing quality feeds, and adapting strategies based on different species' needs. Should mention experience with data analysis and team management.

Q: What factors do you consider when evaluating a new feed supplier?

Expected Answer: Should discuss feed quality metrics, cost analysis, supplier reliability, feed performance history, storage requirements, and how these factors impact overall feed conversion rates and farm profitability.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Describe how you would calculate and track feed conversion ratios.

Expected Answer: Should explain the basic formula (feed given divided by weight gain), tracking methods, and how to use this information to adjust feeding practices. Should mention practical experience with record keeping.

Q: What environmental factors affect feed conversion, and how do you adjust for them?

Expected Answer: Should discuss water temperature, oxygen levels, fish stress, and seasonal changes. Should explain how these factors influence feeding schedules and amounts.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is feed conversion ratio and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it measures how efficiently feed is converted to fish weight, and why this matters for farm costs and profitability. Basic understanding of the concept is sufficient.

Q: What are the signs that fish are being overfed or underfed?

Expected Answer: Should describe visible indicators like fish behavior during feeding, waste feed at bottom of pens, growth rates, and basic monitoring techniques.