Upper limits for insect meal inclusion in salmonid diets using biological and economic endpoints

Lead Applicant: Neil Rooney

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems 

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2023/2024

Research Centre: Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre

Research Summary: The sustainability and cost-effectiveness of relying on fish meal and fish as protein sources in rainbow trout feed has recently been brought into question and calls for alternative protein sources have grown. While insect-based substitutes for fish meal have shown promise in studies, optimal inclusion rates have yet to be determined from both biological and economic perspectives. This project (building on a current pilot project) will take an experimental approach to evaluate the effect of different insect meal (black soldier fly, cricket and superworm) inclusion rates on rainbow trout growth, gut microbiome, histology, immune response and nutrient retention. Insect protein inclusion levels will be varied from 5% to 45% to identify inclusion levels that are optimal for maximizing fish growth and health, while minimizing the production of nutrient waste. Further, for each species of insect, cost analyses will be carried out to assess economic viability of the protein sources.