Feed & Additive Magazine Issue 2 March 2021

SPECIAL STORY 62 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2021 species with up to 40% insect meal inclusion. There- fore, insect meals are undeniably suitable alternative feed ingredients for the aquaculture. BEYOND THE PROTEINS It should be highlighted that insect-derived prod- ucts, in particular BSF meal, are highly palatable, which is a critical point for aquafeeds. Fast identi- fication of the feed and good ingestion contribute to improved performance and reduced FCRs. It has been mentioned that BSF meal may equal krill meal or fishmeal in terms of palatability. Besides, a significant interest is rising around the bioactive molecules that insects contain naturally and the nutraceutical benefits of insect meals. Positive impacts on gut health through a modula- tion of the microbiota of Rainbow trout, Jian carp, Siberian sturgeon or Marron crayfish were associated to dietary insect chitin. The specific role of chitin in fish diets is still controversial and is related to its di- etary level of inclusion; when included at low levels, it might act as prebiotic, immuno-stimulant and an- ti-inflammatory molecule in fish, while if included at high doses it might reduce fish growth and cause intestinal inflammation. Insects are also a primary source of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and more than 50 putative active peptides have been identified in BSF larvae. AMPs are key components of the innate immune system of most animals and have a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria, fungi, some parasites and viruses. Studies on Pacific white shrimp, Atlantic salmon and yellow catfish suggest that insect AMPs may have enhanced the immunity and disease resistance of these species. Significantly better survival rates were also noticed. Therefore, even at low inclusion, insect meals can promote fish and crustacean health and better per- formance thanks to their immunostimulant, antioxi- dant and antimicrobial properties. Specific formula- tions targeting high-values species such as sturgeons, shrimps or salmonids or special requirements juve- niles or broodstock could benefit of premium insect meal’s functionalities. SUSTAINABILITY The production of insect proteins is based on the concept of circular economy where low-value organic side-streams (from industry or agriculture) are con- verted into high value products (i.e. insect biomass and frass). Compared to conventional livestock, in- sect breeding process has a low carbon footprint as it requires less land and water and produces fewer greenhouse gases. The low environmental impact and sustainability aspects are major arguments pro- moting the use of insect protein in aquaculture as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional and no longer sustainable plant-based proteins and fishmeal. WHAT DOES THE REGULATION SAY? Insects are more often considered as pests than beneficial. It is there- fore reasonable to wonder whether they are safe to be used as protein sources for farmed animals. In North America (USA and Black Soldier Fly, adult stages © ENTOFOOD