A diet of WINCod and frozen live plankton has improved outcomes for farmed cod larvae.

Photo: Sparos

'Next-generation' diet launched for cod larvae

Editorial team Editorial team

Published February 6, 2026 - 10:02 a.m.

Portuguese feed research and production company Sparos has launched WINCod, a “next-generation” microdiet specifically developed for Atlantic cod larvae.

Emerging from the collaborative EarlyCOD project supported by Norwegian cod producer Ode, WINCod tackles key challenges in cod hatcheries - high mortality, skeletal deformities, and inconsistent juvenile quality.

Designed for early co-feeding protocols, WINCod is said to pair seamlessly with Norwegian company Planktonic AS’s cryoplankton (frozen live plankton), delivering a synergistic nutritional strategy that supports larvae during the critical first feeding and weaning phases.

Larval robustness

Sparos said that extensive trials demonstrate that WINCod significantly improves larval robustness, while reducing skeletal anomalies and promoting healthier organ development.

The result is higher-quality juveniles, giving hatcheries greater predictability and control over production outcomes.

EarlyCOD project

EarlyCOD (2023–2025) was led by Sparos in partnership with CIIMAR (Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Portugal) and Planktonic AS (Norway), with significant support from Ode, and Nord Universtiy in Norway.

By strengthening larvae early on, WINCod also reduces dependence on traditional live feeds, helping simplify hatchery operations.

Its formulation is the result of years of targeted research and development combined with industrial-scale validation, ensuring both biological performance and practical implementation.

Measurable improvements

WINCod is available in 150, 300, and 500 µm (micrometre) pellet sizes, allowing precise matching to larval developmental stages. Sparos said early adopters in Norway have already reported measurable improvements in hatchery performance.

The product is ready for immediate deployment in commercial hatcheries, with Sparos providing technical support for implementation and protocol optimisation.

“With WINCod, Sparos delivers an aquafeed that supports more sustainable, cost-effective cod aquaculture, accelerating the transition from research into real-world practical solutions,” the feed company said in a press release.

“WINCod marks a major milestone for the growing cod farming sector - and a decisive step forward in early-stage nutrition.”