Maximum Fish Meal Level in Pig Feed to Avoid Fishy Flavour

Correct Answer: 10%

Fish meal should not be fed at a level higher than 10% in pig (swine) feed; exceeding this level imparts a fishy flavour to pork, making it commercially unacceptable.

Why Fishy Flavour Develops

• Fish meal contains trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), which is reduced to trimethylamine (TMA) by gut bacteria. TMA is then deposited in tissues and fat, causing the characteristic fishy odour/flavour.
• This problem is especially pronounced in pigs because of their monogastric digestive system and fat deposition pattern.

Fish Meal Usage Guidelines in Animal Feeds

• Poultry: Fish meal can be included up to 5–8% in starter rations and reduced in finisher rations to avoid flavour carry-over in eggs and broiler meat.
• Pigs: Maximum limit is 10%; beyond this, pork quality is compromised.
• Fish meal is an excellent protein supplement — contains 60–65% crude protein and rich in lysine, methionine, and available phosphorus.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• 5% → unnecessarily restrictive; 10% is the established practical limit.
• 15%, 20% → too high; fishy flavour would definitely be a problem at these levels.