BSF Larvae in Fish Feed: Benefits for Aquaculture
Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae are increasingly used as a sustainable protein source in fish feed at fish farms, offering a viable alternative to traditional fishmeal. Several fish species have shown positive responses to BSF-based diets, supported by scientific studies.
Fish species benefiting from BSF-based fish feed:
Tilapia: Studies have demonstrated that tilapia fed with BSF larvae fish feed exhibit improved growth rates, feed efficiency, and protein utilization compared to traditional feeds.
Rainbow Trout: Research indicates that BSF larvae can partially or fully replace fishmeal in rainbow trout diets without compromising growth or nutritional quality.
Salmon: BSF larvae have been successfully incorporated into salmon feed, showing potential for sustainable aquaculture practices.
Catfish: Both African and channel catfish have shown positive growth responses and enhanced immunity when fed BSF-based diets.
Carp: Common carp and other carp species have benefited from BSF larvae fish feed, with studies reporting improved growth and feed conversion ratios.
Relevant studies:
Tilapia: A study from 2022 by Arshad et al. in Veterinary World (http://www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.15/October-2022/11.pdf) found that incorporating BSFL into commercial diets for red hybrid tilapia fingerlings increased crude protein and fat content.
Rainbow Trout: A 2021 study by Ozturk et al. in Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1606417) investigated the effects of BSF larvae on rainbow trout growth, health and fillet quality.
Salmon: A 2023 study by Biancarosa et al. in Frontiers in Aquaculture (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aquaculture/articles/10.3389/faquc.2023.1239402/full) found that including up to 10% BSFL meal in Atlantic salmon diets did not significantly affect growth, welfare, or survival, but showed positive effects on skin mucosal, hematological and gene expression profiles.
Catfish: A 2024 study by Yildirim-Aksoy et al. in Frontiers in Physiology (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1330368/full) found that including BSF larvae frass in channel catfish diets altered global gene expression and activated innate and adaptive immunity.
Carp: A study by Ozturk et al. (2022, https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1606417) showed that replacing up to 65% of fishmeal with BSFL meal in common carp diets improved growth performance and feed utilization.
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