The Digital SalmoFan can now be used for trout, too
DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health today announced an update to its Digital SalmoFan software, adding a new algorithm designed to accurately measure trout fillet colour for partners across the entire value chain.
The Digital SalmoFan is a portable device that measures the colour of salmon and trout fillets digitally, using a numeric scoring system. This latest innovation builds on the foundations of the existing physical SalmonFan colour chart widely used in the global salmon industry for fillet colour measurement.
DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health said leading companies and bodies within the aquaculture industry, such as Skretting Group, MOWI UK, and UniNord University, have successfully integrated the Digital SalmoFan into their quality and R&D initiatives.
A credible reference point
Dr Louise Buttle, global key account manager aquaculture for DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health, said: “We are committed to coupling innovative, high-quality products with cutting-edge digital services that drive efficiency and precision across the value chain. The updated Digital SalmoFan reflects this commitment, enabling the aquaculture industry to maximise the value of colour, providing a credible reference point, helping to unlock greater value and optimise performance at every stage.”
The updated software now allows users to select between salmon or trout species, ensuring consistent colour measurements anywhere, without light interference. DSM said this advancement provides an efficient and innovative method for gathering, storing, and sharing data from objective and precise colour measurements.
Removing 'judgement' differences
David Bett, senior quality manager for Mowi Consumer Products UK, said: “The biggest benefit to us is that this device removes the ‘judgement’ from individuals’ perspectives when comparing flesh of salmon using a colour chart.
“We use the Digital SalmoFan on a daily basis – testing several samples from each batch of fish received to ensure that pigmentation is within spec. It is quick and easy to use and is now integrated into our daily intake assessments.”
He said one of its most attractive features was that results can be exported into dashboards for trending analysis and monitoring individual farm performance.
Fiona Strachan, senior technical specialist and safety adviser at the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture, says she uses the Digital SalmoFan as a fast and easy way to compare fillet colour of salmon fed different diets and to complement data from pigment extraction.
“This gives a better idea of the visual representation of fillet colour. Objective measurement of fillet colour can be done by various users with a small device and easy to understand app.”
