An Open Reference for the Fishmeal Trade

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Reference · R3

Protein converter

Two lots at different moisture can carry the same protein — or look equal and not be. This is the arithmetic buyers run at the port.

Dry-matter basis
—
At 10% moisture reference
—
DRY-BASIS PROTEIN  = as-fed protein ÷ (1 − moisture)
PROTEIN AT 10% MOISTURE  = dry-basis protein × 0.90

A specification promising 65% protein "as fed" at 10% moisture is the same meal as 65% at 8% moisture minus the water you paid to ship: converting both to the dry basis makes lots comparable on protein alone. The 10%-moisture reference is the trade's neutral ground — the moisture cap on most specification sheets.[1]

The inputs above accept any values; typical quality-meal range is 60–68% protein and moisture up to the 10% cap.[2] Beyond arithmetic, the comparison still needs freshness and ash — the specifications chapter covers what a conversion cannot fix.

Sources
  1. ChemTradeAsia — fish meal specifications (Jan 2026) — www.chemtradeasia.com/market-insights/fish-meal-specifications-aquacultu (accessed 2026-10-24)
  2. Agriculture Institute — quality standards for fish meal — agriculture.institute/fish-by-products-waste-utilization/quality-standar (accessed 2026-10-24)
  3. Feed specification guidance (Sunrise Rendering, Oct 2026) — www.sunriserendering.com/fr/how-to-read-fish-meal-specification-protein- (accessed 2026-10-24)
  4. FAO fishmeal in animal feed (Seafood Network mirror) — seafood.media/snp/fishmeal.htm (accessed 2026-10-24)