"These results further support the use of insect-derived ingredients as both nutritionally effective and functionally beneficial components of aquaculture feeds," according to Innovafeed and Onda.
Photo: Onda
Preliminary trials by Canadian aquaculture research firm Onda and French insect ingredient producer Innovafeed suggest that insect-based feed ingredients may offer both health and performance benefits for farmed Atlantic salmon.
The two companies said research carried out at Onda’s facilities in Prince Edward Island found "promising in-vitro antibacterial activity" linked to Innovafeed’s black soldier fly larvae meal, marketed as Hilucia™ for Aqua.
According to the companies, initial laboratory analysis showed that the hydrosoluble fraction of the ingredient inhibited the growth of four gram-negative bacteria associated with disease outbreaks in aquaculture: Aeromonas salmonicida, Flavobacterium psychrophilum, Vibrio anguillarum and Photobacterium damselae.
In a joint press release, Innovafeed and Onda said their findings add to earlier research suggesting black soldier fly larvae-derived ingredients have antimicrobial properties against a wider range of aquatic pathogens, with this thought to be linked to antimicrobial peptides produced naturally by the larvae as part of their immune system.
"Given the growing challenge of bacterial diseases and antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture, these findings highlight the potential of insect-derived ingredients not only as sustainable protein sources but also as functional feed ingredients capable of supporting fish immunity and helping reduce reliance on antibiotics," the companies said in a release.
In a separate 84-day feeding trial, which aimed to assess the feed's potential as an "appetite and performance booster", Onda and Innovafeed said the salmon grew from about 300g to 800g and recorded 100% survival when fed on the insect-based feed.
The companies also report that the fish ate more, grew faster and converted feed more efficiently than those in the comparison group.
The trial included a seawater stress test during a key phase of the salmon production cycle, although the companies said those results are still being analysed.
Dr Fabio Zanuzzo, director of aquatic research at Onda, said collaborating on research projects such as this “allows us to further develop our testing platforms and explore solutions that can transform aquaculture.”
“Our integrated, and tailor-made research approach enables us to fully evaluate and maximize the value of our clients’ products, generating precise and actionable insights for the aquaculture industry,” he added.
Marine Bezagu, head of product development on aquaculture at Innovafeed, described the collaboration as “both highly effective and very promising.”
“The scientific foundation and expertise of Onda's teams bring significant value to our work, and the results generated provide further evidence of the functional potential of insect-based ingredients for aquaculture nutrition,” she added.
The partners said that further trials, including in-vivo studies, are planned to assess whether insect-derived functional ingredients can improve fish health and disease resilience in commercial aquaculture production.
