March 18, 2013
Skretting denies liability over weak quality feed
Skretting, a part of animal feed company, Nutreco, has denied liability in US$8.23 million damages claim brought by the Scottish Salmon Company.
On December 28 2012, SSC initiated court proceedings against Trouw, a UK division of Skretting, within the Court of Session in Edinburgh, in terms of which damages totalling US$8.23 million are claimed as a direct result of the supply of sub-standard feed to the company.
According to SSC, the company has uncovered a defect in the composition of the feed earlier in the year, which was quickly rectified.
"Thereafter, the stock was subsequently closely monitored by the company, fish veterinarians and the feed supplier.
"However, the full impact of the sub-standard feed on the salmon affected could only be ascertained in Q4. Skeletal deformities caused poor growth, higher mortalities and subsequently challenges at the processing stage," said SSC.
"The next generation of salmon due to be harvested in 2013, was provided with the correct standard feed and are displaying normal biological status and performing well," added the
Scottish Salmon Company.
The fishes are from Loch Fyne and production efficiencies, involving transportation and processing in this region will also become evident through lower unit production costs, the company said.
Legal proceedings are on-going, the company said, in its quarterly report, which reveals losses for Q4.