Assessment of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as an Alternative Feed Ingredient for Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): A Study on Physical, Chemical, and Sensory Quality

Abstract

The sustainability of the fish industry is crucial for ensuring food security and achieving global sustainable development goals. This has prompted the need to explore alternative and sustainable feed ingredients that can maintain or even improve the quality of fish products. This study evaluated the effect of the 4% inclusion of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) into fish feed on the quality of farmed Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout fillets. The physicochemical and sensory properties of the fish were analysed and compared to the control group fed with a standard commercial diet.

The results showed that BSFL did not significantly affect the fillets' fat content and astaxanthin concentration. However, the Atlantic salmon fed with BSFL had firmer fillets and less gaping compared with the control group, while the rainbow trout test group tended to have a lower degree of gaping (P=0.11). In addition, the amino acid composition of the connective tissue differed significantly between the dietary groups of both species, with cysteine and glycine being significantly higher in the Atlantic salmon and proline being significantly higher in the rainbow trout. Sensory evaluation of cooked fillets by a consumer panel revealed significantly higher scores for the Atlantic salmon's firmness, juiciness, and general acceptance and higher scores for the rainbow trout colour.

In conclusion, the findings suggest that incorporating BSFL into fish feed could be a sustainable and viable option for aquaculture without compromising the quality of the fish products.