Development and Application of a Mechanistic Nutrient-Based Model for Precision Fish Farming

This manuscript describes and evaluates the FEEDNETICS model, a detailed mechanistic nutrient-based model that has been developed to be used as data interpretation decision-support tool by fish farmers, aquafeed producers, aquaculture consultants researchers. The modelling framework comprises two main components: (i) simulates at individual level growth, composition, nutrient utilization, following basic physical principles prior information on organization control of biochemical/metabolic processes; (ii) farm upscales all population level. was calibrated validated for five commercially relevant farmed species, i.e., gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), using sets covering wide range rearing feeding conditions. results validation growth are consistent between presenting mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) 11.7 13.8%. Several uses cases presented, illustrating how this can complement experimental trial design interpretation, evaluate nutritional environmental effects provides means transforming into useful information, thus contributing more efficient farming.