Insect meal shown to inhibit growth of fish pathogens in lab tests
It also boosted feed uptake
French insect farmer Innovafeed, which produces black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens), and independent aquatic contract research organisation Onda have announced promising results from two collaborative trials evaluating the performance and functional benefits of insect-based ingredients in aquaculture nutrition.
The trials, conducted at Onda’s research facilities on Prince Edward Island, Canada, assessed the potential of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal to support fish health and performance in Atlantic salmon diets.
Initial in vitro (laboratory) analyses conducted by Onda demonstrated antibacterial activity associated with Innovafeed’s BSFL meal, marketed as Hilucia for Aqua. The study evaluated the inhibitory effect of its hydrosoluble fraction against several aquatic pathogens commonly responsible for disease outbreaks in aquaculture.
Results showed growth inhibition against four gram-negative bacteria of major relevance for aquaculture health management: Aeromonas salmonicida, Flavobacterium psychrophilum, Vibrio anguillarum, and Photobacterium damselae.
Inhibited bacteria growth
A white paper detailing the in vitro trials concludes that the addition of Hilucia for Aqua hydrosoluble fraction at 12 mg/mL successfully inhibited the growth of the bacteria and positions it as a promising bioactive ingredient to prevent bacterial outbreaks in aquafarms, with an opportunity to reduce the use of antibiotics, thus limiting the development of antibiotic resistant strains.
Additional in vivo (fish) trials are required to confirm
the potential of Hilucia for Aqua hydrosoluble
fraction as a cost-effective antimicrobial
ingredient, with a focus on bioavailability and
dose-response relationship within formulated
feeds.
The white paper will be available for download from the Innovafeed website from Monday.
A broad impact
The results of the study build on previous studies that have demonstrated antimicrobial activity of BSF larvae against a broader range of aquatic pathogens.
Innovafeed said the antibacterial potential of Hilucia for Aqua is believed to be linked to antimicrobial peptides naturally produced by BSF larvae. These bioactive molecules are part of the insect’s innate immune system and are known to interact with microbial cell membranes, inhibiting growth or causing pathogen death.
“These findings highlight the potential of insect-derived ingredients not only as sustainable protein sources but also as functional feed ingredients,” the company said in a press release.
Appetite booster
A second trial at Onda evaluated the use of Innovafeed’s BSFL meal as an appetite and performance booster in grower Atlantic salmon.
Throughout the 84-day trial, the Hilucia for Aqua-fed group grew from around 300 to 800g, and achieved a 100% survival rate. Results showed increased feed intake with a dose-response pattern to Hilucia inclusion rate, associated with a strong growth performance, with statistically increased growth rate and improved feed efficiency demonstrating the BSFL meal’s potential to enter grower salmon’s diets while boosting fish farming performance.
The trial also included a seawater stress test, assessing fish resilience during a critical stage of the salmon production cycle.
The press release stated that while results are still being analysed, the work reflects the continued efforts of Onda and Innovafeed to demonstrate the functional potential of insect-derived ingredients in aquaculture nutrition.
Promising collaboration
“This collaboration has been 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,” said Marine Bezagu, head of product development on aquaculture at Innovafeed.
Additional trials, including in-vivo studies, will further evaluate the potential of insect-derived functional ingredients to support fish health and disease resilience in commercial aquaculture production.
