Indicator 4.2.1.7

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System

Water Type

Feed Dependent

Species

Indicator 4.2.1.7

by Contact on 8 October 2026

Requirement

Indicator applicability: every UoC using feed The UoC shall develop and implement a feeding plan which includes at least the following: a) time and frequency of feeding; and b) feed rations; and c) feeding methods; and d) different environmental conditions; and e) prevention of use of feed which has expired, spoiled or shows signs of excessive leakage; and f) feed types for the nutritional needs and life stages of the species. An exception applies to (f) when such feeds are not available, in which case the UoC shall use feed suitable for animals with similar nutritional needs.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • The feeding plan:

    • Outlines the site’s feeding strategy.

  • As a minimum, it must include the following parameters:

    • Time and frequency, e.g. at daybreak and early afternoon (06:00 am and 01:00 pm).

    • Feed rations, e.g. feed type and daily amount.

    • Feeding adaptation to fit different life stages, e.g. maturation diets for black tiger with excellent digestible protein, essential fatty acids, cholesterol and chemo-attractant properties similar to which are found in natural food sources in the crustacean habitat.

    • Feeding adaptation to fit different ambient conditions, e.g. at times of crustacean stress due to water quality issues, it is accepted to reduce feeding by 50% or completely stop feeding for 2 to 4 days.

    • Should include considerations to guarantee the good working order of mechanical equipment used to deliver feed, e.g. scheduled maintenance checks of automatic feeders.

    • The UoC should document the rationale for changes in the feeding plan to better inform management decisions.

Evidence of Implementation

  • Records:

    • Purchase.

    • Transportation.

    • Delivery.

    • Stocking.

    • Maintenance.

    • Environmental and health.

    • Feeding periods (time and frequency).

    • Feeding rations.

    • Employees should demonstrate adequate knowledge of the feeding plan.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Feeding plan includes the minimum required parameters and its implemented:

    • Implementation can be confirmed by cross-checking the plan with records, information from employee interviews and observations.

Useful Resources

  • Tacon, A.G.J., Jory, D. and Nunes, A. (2013) Shrimp feed management: issues and perspectives. In M.R. Hasan and M.B. New, eds. On-farm feeding and feed management in aquaculture. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper No. 583. Rome, FAO. pp. 481–488.

  • Barrento, S., Pedrazzani, A., Ostrensky, A., & Quintiliano, M. (2023). Shrimp Welfare Indicators [Online course]. In S. Barrento, M. Quintiliano, & J. Muirhead (Eds.), FAI Academy. https://fai.academy/