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Title Insect rearing on biowaste represents a competitive advantage for fish farming
ID_Doc 21599
Authors Marousek, J; Strunecky, O; Marouskova, A
Title Insect rearing on biowaste represents a competitive advantage for fish farming
Year 2023
Published Reviews In Aquaculture, 15.0, 3
DOI 10.1111/raq.12772
Abstract Feeding cost is among the main drivers in the price competitiveness of intensively-fed-aquaculture (IFA) products. As soaring energy prices increase the costs of technologies used to increase the digestibility of plant protein feeds, there is an urgent call for comprehensive knowledge on the mass use of insects as fish feed. This review identifies the key aspects of insect incorporation into established IFA practices and puts them into a commercial context. Larvae of Black soldier fly (BSFL) is identified as the most versatile in terms of (a) variety of biowaste usable for its rearing, (b) automatization and scaling up, (c) nutritional value and (d) circular and environmental aspects. Furthermore, modifications insect diets can increase the levels of valuable compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids in fish. Other insects such as ants or mealworms have the potential to meet the nutritional requirements of various fish species. While today the production costs of BSFL (mostly around 3.5 euro kg(-1)) are mostly determined by labour costs, it is predicted that intensified industrialization of insect rearing could reduce the production cost below 2 euro kg(-1). In addition, multiple positive economic impacts, as well as environmental spillovers, have been identified. It is proposed that further research should be directed towards the refining and further valorization of byproducts from insect farming which could further dissolve the rearing cost. Bringing the IFA into compliance with the principles of the circular economy increases its competitiveness by reducing production costs and improving public opinion.
Author Keywords bioeconomy; black soldier fly; circular economy; competitiveness; corporate social responsibility; fish feed
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000891533900001
WoS Category Fisheries
Research Area Fisheries
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