The rapid growth of the aquaculture sector may help provide sustainable solutions to address challenges related to food insecurity and nutrient supply. However, one of the greatest challenges to feeding a growing population is the net environmental impact of food production systems. Many globally recognised, high-value aquaculture species are carnivorous, requiring large amounts of dietary protein, often supplied as fishmeal or (increasingly) as plant-derived proteins. Competition for these protein sources with direct human consumption and terrestrial animal production has prompted a need to move towards the use of novel proteins in aquaculture diets (e.g., insects), particularly those that can maximise production and reduce waste whilst conserving the world’s resources.
This research aimed to use a multi-faceted approach to investigating the viability of black soldier fly larvae (BSF) protein sources as an alternative, more sustainable, ingredient in finfish aquaculture diets. The outcomes provide baseline information on the levels of BSF-derived products that can be included in juvenile barramundi aquaculture diets whilst maintaining physiological wellbeing and performance (e.g., growth, haematology, immunology, intestinal histology), across a 91-day growth trial.