Intelligent feeding control methods in aquaculture with an emphasis on fish: a review

Abstract

In aquaculture, feeding is the primary factor determining efficiency and cost, so it is important to know when to stop feeding to maximize efficiency. Until now, fish feeding has been mostly based on artificial discrimination, which is usually timeconsuming and laborious. In recent years, intelligent feeding control according to changes in behaviour and growth status has gained increasing attention. This approach involves many methods as well as monitoring and feedback equipment and can automatically determine the feeding demands of fish. This review summarizes the development of intelligent feeding control methods, such as mathematical models, acoustic methods and computer vision, in aquaculture over the past three decades. All methods have unique application scenarios and models for the culture to which they are most suitable, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method in the laboratory as well as in pond, cage and recirculating aquaculture systems are analysed. Studies show that improvements in sensor accuracy and hardware and software processing speed have promoted the development of new technologies and methods, providing effective or potential support for intelligent feeding control. However, its accuracy and intelligent are still need to be improved to meet the needs of actual feeding scenarios. Through close collaborations between engineers and fish behaviourists, the feeding machine and system will be more elaborate and precise on the basis of the above methods, and the level of intelligence will be further improved.