ISSUE FOCUS Alternative Proteins Magazine April 2025 33 “Recent studies and independent trials have shown that Black Soldier Fly (BSF) meal can be effectively included in aquafeeds at levels of 5% to 10% with positive results in growth performance, feed conversion ratios, and most importantly improved survival rates. In many cases, it has led to improvements in overall wellbeing of species such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In short, healthier animals are also a benefit for the producers who can have higher yields due to less loss.” The aquaculture industry faces growing global demand for seafood, but their current ingredients make it hard to continue on this path while staying sustainable. One piece of the puzzle could and should be insect protein. Hermetia illucens also known as the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) is more than just a new ingredient on the shelf; it is a functional ingredient that enables a circular approach by upcycling agro-industrial waste. COMPARING PROTEIN SOURCES: THE NEED FOR A BALANCED APPROACH In aquafeed formulation, ingredients like soybean meal and fishmeal are often compared based on their protein content and cost. Fishmeal, derived from marine sources, is rich in essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids, making it highly digestible and palatable for many aquatic species. On the other hand, soybean meal, a plant-based protein, is more affordable and abundant but comes with anti-nutritional factors and a less optimal amino acid profile for carnivorous species like salmon. Both ingredients serve different purposes; fishmeal is used for its quality and digestibility, whereas soybean is primarily a cost-effective filler that requires balancing with other ingredients. The same should apply to BSF meal: evaluating it solely on its protein percentage misses the value it can bring to the formulation. While contributing a high-quality protein, it will also include bioactive compounds, including antimicrobial peptides, lauric acid and chitin, all of which can promote gut health and immune response. Rather than traditionally comparing BSF meal as a one-to-one replacement for either fishmeal or soybean meal, feed formulators should consider it as part of a balanced diet. The end diet can have functional benefits, sustainable impact, be palatable and accepted by regulatory standards. The future of aquafeed will not depend on replacing one ingredient with another, but integrating different ingredients that can function together. BSF MEAL IN AQUAFEED: WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO MOVE FORWARD Aubin Bernard Entomologist - Head of BSF Farming Flylab
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