Fillet gaping scores declined, reflecting a more intact structure, according to the study.
Aquaculture feed producer Aller Aqua has conducted trials examining the use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal as a sustainable alternative to soy protein concentrate in Atlantic salmon feed.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norwegian salmon producer Austevoll Melaks AS, and insect protein supplier Protix, indicates that incorporating insect-derived protein in feed formulations may improve both yield and fillet quality.
The research follows increasing regulatory and commercial pressure to incorporate sustainable feed sources in aquaculture, with the European Union approving the use of insect protein in fish feed as part of its broader sustainability agenda. Aller Aqua’s trials, which benchmarked conventional feed against a formulation that replaced 4% of soy protein concentrate with insect meal, showed notable improvements in fish performance and product quality.
Higher slaughter yield and improved fillet quality
Salmon fed with BSFL meal achieved an average weight of 4,669 grams, compared to 4,260 grams in the control group, an increase of 9.6%. Gutted weight was also higher, with an increase of 12.5%, reaching 4,226 grams against 3,758 grams in the control group. The company reports that the increased yield translates into a greater volume of sellable fish for farmers.
Beyond improved growth metrics, the trials found that the inclusion of BSFL meal positively affected fillet texture and quality. Firmness tests using a texture analyser indicated a statistically significant improvement, while fillet gaping scores declined, reflecting a more intact structure. Colouration, assessed against the SalmoFan standard, showed a slight increase, and melanin spotting was numerically lower in the insect-fed group.
Enhanced sensory characteristics
In consumer sensory tests, 67% of participants preferred the taste of salmon fed with the insect-based formulation. Assessments of juiciness, firmness, and odour indicated improvements, though not all differences reached statistical significance.
“Insect meal is already a proven raw material for aquaculture that performs well in terms of nutrition and palatability,” said Jesper Clausen, Group Director for Research and Development at Aller Aqua. “From these trials, we also see early indications that it may positively affect fillet quality and taste.”
A step toward lower environmental impact
BSFL-based protein offers a lower environmental footprint compared to traditional fishmeal or soy-based feed ingredients. The shift aligns with industry-wide efforts to reduce reliance on terrestrial agriculture and marine fish stocks for feed production.
“At Austevoll, we have witnessed that salmon fed with insect meal grows better and exhibits superior colouration, while a majority of consumers in our test preferred its taste,” said Sturle Skeidsvoll, Business Development Manager at Aller Aqua Norway.
While the study provides promising insights, Aller Aqua notes that further research is required to validate the findings at scale.
