October 29, 2019

Study further establishes black soldier fly larvae's role in replacing conventional aquafeed

The black soldier fly larvae, which has been in the limelight in recent years as a alternative protein source for aquafeed, will not negatively affect the physio-chemical quality of the salmon fillets when fed to Atlantic salmon, a study found.

The research in Science of Food and Agriculture compared quality-wise salmon-fed black soldier fly larvae to salmon fed with traditional aquafeed. The study could help establish the viability of the larvae as a sustainable replacement of fishmeal used for Atlantic salmon.

Researchers fed sea-water stage Atlantic salmon a fishmeal-free diet. The feed used black soldier fly larvae that had been reared on kelp media and mixed organic wastes (at a 60:40 ratio).

When the fish were processed, the researchers analysed the nutrition content of the finished fillets. The fillets also underwent a side-by-side consumer taste-test to determine whether consumers would purchase salmon raised on insect-based feed.

When the finished fillets were analysed, they showed an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids – indicating a potential cardioprotective benefit for humans.

The study also showed that respondents enjoyed salmon that were fed insect meal and would consider buying fillets extracted from these fish if they are commercially available.

- The Fish Site