Feed & Additive Magazine Issue 2 March 2021

SPECIAL STORY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2021 61 INSECT-BASED Protein Sources INSECTS: A SUSTAINABLE FEED INGREDIENT FOR AQUACULTURE The ever growing aquafeed industry is actively looking for novel protein sources and functional ingredients. The insect farming industry is also developing at a fast pace to supply the market with premium sustainable and functional insect proteins as they are the perfect candidates to answer to these challenges. N aturally, wild fish feed on insects or other in- vertebrates. Therefore, incorporating insect proteins into aquaculture species diets is neither ab- surd nor innovative. According to FAO there are 1,900 identified edible insect species. However, considering the global interest and the number of companies developing Black Sol- dier Fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) production systems, it is reasonable to place the focus on this species. The BSF is a widespread, non-harmful dipteran in- sect that is able, at the larvae stage, to convert a broad range of organic materials into protein and energy-rich biomass and natural fertilizer (i.e. insect droppings, also called “frass”). Besides, its short life cycle, high prolificacy and ability to withstand high individual density make this insect ideal for mass-production. NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS Extensive research has been conducted over the last decade to evaluate the nutritional benefits of different insects. Dry BSF larvae contains between 30-58% protein and 10-40% lipids. Lipid content and fatty acid (FA) composition of the BSF larvae are strongly influenced by its feed- ing regime and does not meet the requirements of most aquatic farmed species as it is high in saturated FA and poor in essential PUFA. Thus, a defatting process is commonly applied to generate a premium quality insect protein meal. The amino acid compo- sition of BSF is more stable, well balanced, highly digestible and meeting the requirements of most fish and crustacean species. The protein fraction of BSF, and of dipteran species in general, is similar to fish- meal and better balanced than soybean meal. The nutritional quality of the insect proteins is well established. Feeding trials with various fish / crusta- cean species have confirmed that dietary insect meal inclusions do not impair the growth and performance. Actually, inclusions of insect protein in aquafeeds have proven to improve FCRs of giant water prawn or juvenile rainbow trout for instance. Obviously, the optimum dietary inclusion varies widely with the fish / crustacean species considered and its nutrition- al requirements. Academic research and commercial applications report the successful partial or complete substitution of fishmeal or soybean meal in formulat- ed feeds for both carnivorous and omnivorous farmed Dr. Emilie Devic R&D Manager Entofood, Malaysia