Current trends and prospects for the development of feed resources in aquaculture

The purpose of the study was to identify trends in changes in the production efficiency of the main groups of fish in aquaculture of Ukraine during 2022-2024 considering the influence of technological, environmental, and economic factors on the efficiency of feeding and the development of the feed base. The methodology was based on systematic, statistical and comparative analysis of data from twelve fish farming enterprises representing different levels of intensification – from pond farms to enterprises with closed water supply systems (CWSS). The analysis covered a five-year period (2020-2024) using correlation and regression analysis methods to assess feed conversion rate (FCR), cost-effectiveness, and the impact of environmental factors on productivity. As a result of the study, significant fluctuations in feed consumption volumes and interspecific differences in FCR values were established. It was revealed that the minimum feed costs occurred in 2022 (23,327.3 tonnes), and the maximum – in 2020 (34,243.3 tonnes), which is conditioned by economic and military instability. Carp species demonstrated the highest feed conversion efficiency, with FCR for broodstock and commercial fish falling to 1.2 and 1.3, respectively, in 2024. Catfish have consistently high FCR values, indicating low feeding efficiency for this group. Sturgeon showed a sharp deterioration in feed efficiency in 2023-2024 due to technological failures and the feed base degradation. Salmon showed extreme fluctuations with a record high FCR of 3.5 in 2023 and a sharp improvement to 1.0 in 2024, indicating a technological adaptation of production. It was generalised that a high FCR in a broodstock is not only a current economic loss, but also an indicator of future decline in offspring productivity, so feeding optimisation should be based on the use of functional feeds and precise control technologies. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using the results obtained to develop strategies for rational management of feed costs in fisheries enterprises of Ukraine, which will contribute to increasing the profitability and environmental sustainability of aquaculture production