What is ADG in aquaculture?

ADG (Average Daily Gain) is the average weight gained per day, calculated as total weight gain divided by the number of days. Typical ADG for tilapia is 2–5 g/day; salmon 3–8 g/day depending on size and conditions.

What is a realistic ADG for tilapia?

Under optimal conditions (28°C, good feeding), tilapia can achieve 3–5 g/day. ADG above 7–10 g/day is generally not achievable without exceptional genetics and management.

How do I improve growth rate?

Key factors: optimal water temperature, adequate dissolved oxygen, appropriate feed quality and feeding frequency, proper stocking density, and disease prevention.

ToolsConductScience tool

AquacultureFree in-browser calculator

Growth Target Calculator.

Calculate the required daily growth rate to reach your target harvest weight on schedule. Instant feasibility assessment.

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Validated2026-04-08

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Growth Parameters

Current Weight (g)

Desired Weight (g)

Days Available

Results

Feasible

Required growth rate: 5.00 g/day — achievable with good feeding.

Required ADG

5.00 g/day

average daily gain

Days

available

Current

200 g

start weight

Target

500 g

desired weight

When to use

Planning production cycles for market timing
Assessing feasibility of harvest deadlines
Setting feeding and management targets
Comparing growth across different batches

Do not use for

As a guarantee of growth — actual ADG depends on many environmental and management factors

Growth is not linear

Fish grow faster when smaller and slower as they approach market size. ADG is an average, not a constant rate.

Temperature drives growth

ADG can double or halve with a 5°C temperature change. Factor in seasonal temperature patterns.

Method

Required ADG = (target weight − current weight) / days available. Feasibility threshold set at 10 g/day based on typical aquaculture species limits.

Validated

Last validated 2026-04-08. Calculations are designed for planning and documentation support; verify procurement decisions against manufacturer specifications or institutional SOPs.

How to cite

How to Cite

ConductScience Growth Target Calculator (v1.0). ConductScience, Inc. 2026. Available at: https://conductscience.com/tools/growth-target-calculator

FAO. Aquaculture Feed and Fertilizer Resources Information System. 2020.

Growth Planning in Aquaculture

Setting growth targets helps align production schedules with market timing. By calculating the required average daily gain (ADG) to reach a target weight by a specific date, farm managers can assess whether their production timeline is realistic and adjust feeding, stocking, or harvest dates accordingly.

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