In previous editions of Aquafeed, the growing pressure on existing protein raw materials, considering factors such as availability, sustainability, and price volatility, is already widely addressed.
The search for high-quality, economically viable protein alternatives continues, with the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) protein meal gaining popularity and experiencing year-on-year market growth. While some pioneers in the industry have already incorporated BSF Meal into their animal formulations as a valuable protein source, there remains skepticism about whether this alternative protein source will secure its place in the diets of aquatic species.
This skepticism does not revolve around the concept of sustainable BSF protein meal production based on circular economy principles, which aims for a reduced ecological footprint. Rather, part of this skepticism is rooted in apprehensions regarding volume reliability and consistent quality, particularly in terms of protein level and amino acid profile. Addressing these concerns can be achieved through scaling-up production facilities and emphasizing a reliable supply for larvae diets, as demonstrated by Entobel in 2023. With a new production facility in Vung Tau (Vietnam), boasting a capacity of 10,000MT and long-term contracts with suppliers, these challenges can be effectively addressed.
Economic viability is another major concern, but it is partially addressed by the previously mentioned parameters.
Moreover, at Entobel, we strive to mitigate the volatility of BSF Meal prices by establishing long-term contracts with our customers as well. This positions the BSF-meal produced by Entobel favorably against other protein sources, especially when fluctuations in demand/supply cause price increases, as observed with premium fishmeal in the second half of 2023. In addition to considering price volatility, it is crucial to factor in the financial gains attributed to enhanced growth performances, as illustrated in the trial description below.
The lingering question revolves around whether BSF Meal can effectively serve as a replacement for premium protein sources at a nutritional level. It’s established that BSF-meal boasts high digestibility, palatability, and appeal as a protein meal with hypo-allergenic capacities. These qualities stem from the molecular weight properties of its protein content. The right balance of free amino acids, di-and tripeptides present in the BSF meal contributes to these additional functionalities.
Beyond this, other notable features include the presence of anti-bacterial properties. The BSF meal contains around 60 identified anti-microbial peptides acting as a natural defense system for the larvae in the form of long chain proteins. Another distinctive aspect, unlike other complete protein sources, is the high concentration of the Gram-positive antibacterial lauric acid, that is present in the fat content of the BSF Meal.
An assessment at Nong Lam University with the aim to explore the impact of substituting premium fishmeal with BSF Meal on the growth performance of Juvenile Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is detailed below. BSF Meal shows a comparable amino acid profile as premium fishmeal and incorporates all the unique functionalities discussed earlier. Due to BSF Meal’s lower protein content in comparison to premium fishmeal, there was a reformulation of the plant proteins, soybean meal and potato protein concentrate 75%, along with the inclusion of synthetic amino acid L-threonine. This adjustment aimed to ensure that the total amino acid profile remained consistent across all treatments. The other protein sources like poultry meal (5%) and wheat gluten (1.8%) were kept constant across the treatments.
Materials and methods
Whiteleg shrimps (60 shrimps/diet X 4 replicates) were subjected to the 5 diets, with the primary protein sources outlined in Table 1. The BSF Meal, produced by Entobel and hereinafter referred to as H-Meal, contains 55 percent crude protein and has a fat content of 13 percent. In each diet, premium fishmeal was replaced on a 1:1 basis with H-Meal, except for diet 2 where the substitution was a 2:1 ratio. Reformulation of the ingredients shown in Table 1, ensures that each diet has the same protein content and amino acid profile.
After 8 weeks, the final weight, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio were measured for each treatment. Also, the feed cost per kg shrimp produced was calculated to determine the efficacy of the feed compositions.
Table 1
|
Ingredient/treatment |
Ctrl |
Diet 1 |
Diet 2 |
Diet 3 |
Diet 4 |
|
Fishmeal 67% |
15% |
12% |
9% |
9% |
6% |
|
H-Meal 55% |
0% |
3% |
3% |
6% |
9% |
|
Soybean Meal |
32% |
30% |
31% |
27% |
26% |
|
Corn Protein Concentrate |
6% |
7% |
9% |
9% |
9% |
|
L-Threonine |
0.10% |
0.13% |
0.14% |
0.14% |
0.14% |
RESULTS
In table 2, we delve into the performance results across the various dietary treatments.
Table 2
Treatment | Fishmeal (%) | H-Meal (%) | Final Weight (g/fish) | SGR (%) | FCR | Feed cost in USD / kg shrimp |
CTRL | 15 | 0 | 21.10a | 4.62a | 1.93b | 1.92 |
Diet 1 | 12 | 3 | 22.80b | 4.78bc | 1.67ab | 1.69 |
Diet 2 | 9 | 3 | 22.90b | 4.75b | 1.72ab | 1.70 |
Diet 3 | 9 | 6 | 24.30c | 4.87c | 1.56a | 1.63 |
Diet 4 | 6 | 9 | 24.30c | 4.86c | 1.65ab | 1.73 |
The survival rate across different treatments did not show significant differences (P>0.05). However, as outlined in Table 2, after an 8-week period, shrimp fed with diet 1 (3% Fishmeal replacement with 3% H-Meal) and diet 2 (6% Fishmeal replacement with 3% H-meal), as well as diet 3 (6% Fishmeal replacement with 6% H-Meal) and diet 4 (9% Fishmeal replacement with 9% H-Meal), demonstrated notably higher final weights and specific growth rates in comparison to the control group containing 15% premium fishmeal without H-Meal. Specifically, the Final weight for diets 2 and 3 was approximately 8.5% higher compared to the control group, with a specific growth rate increase of approximately 2.8%. For diets 3 and 4, the final weight was approximately 15% higher, accompanied by a specific growth rate increase of approximately 5%.
Moreover, The Feed Conversion Ratio exhibited significantly improved results when fishmeal was partially replaced with H-Meal across all diets. Notably, Diet 2 stands out, involving a 2 to 1 ratio substitution, achieving superior and statistically significant performance results.
Overall, the results of the growth parameters in Table 2 occurred in a lower feed cost per kilogram of shrimp produced for all the treatments that included H-Meal in the diets. The feed cost per kilogram of shrimp was the highest in the control group containing only premium Fishmeal and the most cost-effective in treatment 3 with the partial replacement of 6% fishmeal by 6% H-Meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the trial’s favorable results in growth performance suggest that nutritionally, replacing premium fishmeal with BSF insect meal is a viable option resulting in a lower feed cost per kilogram of fish produced. This underscores the potential of BSF insect meal as a promising and sustainable feed ingredient in aquafeed formulations.
Entobel is actively contributing to the revolution in animal nutrition with its Black Soldier Fly insect meal. Achieving cost-effectiveness and establishing a dominant position for BSF meal in the nutritional landscape requires collective efforts from suppliers and customers. Together, we can propel this new sustainable alternative to new heights and secure a reliable protein supply, a necessity for the future growth of aquaculture.
Published in Aquafeed Magazine Vol 16 Edition 1 2024
