Table Of Contents
The advantages of using Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) in fish farming are nutritional, functional (antibacterial and antiviral) and sustainable. Applicable products for aquaculture diets include whole BSFL, BSF Oil, Protein Hydrolysates and BSF protein powder.
Using Black Soldier Fly larvae (BFSL) as a functional ingredient allows for not only good growth and production performance, but also improved health status as a natural antibiotic. BSF oil (naturally high in lauric acid) can successfully substitute fish oil (up to 95%) in aquaculture diets as well as be used as a high quality pellet coating.
Utilising these additional benefits of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) ingredients means that the breeding success, survival rates and FCR of fish is improved. Farmers can substitute up to 60% of fishmeal (around 30% of the diet) with BSF and achieve a balanced and immune-boosting formulation. Alternatively, BSF can be added whole (live or dried) as a nutritional supplement to boost fish health and growth efficiency. This allows for EPA and DHA optimisations in BSF through production inputs for a specific fish species. Usually, for example Seabass, formulations include around 14% fish oil and 40% fishmeal, which can successfully be partially replaced by BSF to increase animal health and improve Fish in-Fish out metrics.
By understanding the benefits of insect supplementation, farmers can make successful substitutions for carbon heavy feed ingredients and medicinal inclusions being used.
This work has received funding from the EU Horizon Europe research and innovation Program NESTLER project under Grant Agreement No. 101060762.
