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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2013 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Fishmeal has been the standard source of animal protein in feed for farm-raised juvenile fish destined for human consumption for several decades. Since fishmeal is becoming a finite resource, the aquaculture industry is searching for alternative sources for high quality protein to incorporate into feed for cultured fish. Insects provide an excellent source of protein for many animals. In this book chapter, evidence for and against the potential of insect protein of several insect species as partial replacements for fishmeal was scrutinized. The research showed that insect protein in the form of meal or pellets can partially replace fishmeal in feed for fish that consume protein of plant and animal origin. Because of the increasing demands for farm-reared fish, large quantities of insect protein must become available. Rearing technology that utilizes artificial diets for insects, automation of some rearing procedures to reduce costs of labor, and establishment of factories capable of generating large quantities of insects will be necessary to meet the demands of the aquaculture industry. Technical Abstract: This chapter represents a review of the published literature to determine if insect protein is an important supplement to - or even a replacement for - fishmeal in diets for juvenile fish and crustaceans. Fishmeal is becoming a finite resource. This chapter highlights areas of opportunity for producing insects to help meet the future demand for high quality animal protein to incorporate into feed for cultured fish. The research on four key species, the black soldier fly, common house fly, silkworm moth, and yellow mealworm serve as model insects to highlight advances. This research reveals that insects in the form of meal or pellets can provide adequate protein to replace, in part, standard fishmeal in feed for fish that are omnivorous (catfish, carp) rather than carnivorous (trout, salmon). Supplementing traditional feeds with insect meal could enhance the overall nutrition of omnivorous fish for commercial use. Cost effective, large-scale rearing will require using artificial diets for insects. Manipulating the rearing environment and automation - to reduce human labor - could maximize production. Establishment of factories that are carefully designed and equipped to generate large quantities of insects to support the increasing demands for farm-reared fish is necessary. |
