INSECTS AS ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN SOURCES IN AQUACULTURE

Abstract

INSECTS AS ALTERNATIVE PROTEİN SOURCES IN AQUACULTUREThe aim of this review is to evaluate alternative protein sources that can be used in aquacultureGlobal need for food sources are changing with urbanization in developing countries and rise of income. Need for animal proteins will rise in the future resulting in an increase of poultry and aquaculture production. The ever growing population and decline in natural sources forces us to change our feeding habits and prejudices. The need for high protein feeds is closely related with meat consumption. Six kilogram plant based proteins are needed for every one-kilogram high quality animal proteins. Animal production and aquaculture feeds depend on plant based sources and natural fish stocks. Costs of raw materials fluctuate and lacks of ingredients can be seen. This need for aquaculture and poultry production has led the scientists to research alternative sources for proteins which are sustainable and cheaper.Insects are natural food sources for poultry and fish. FAO reports that, black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), home fly larvae, cricket, ratchet, meal worms (Tenebrio molitor), silk worm are used for animal feeding. Insects have advantages compared to the traditional meat production sources. They have better feed conversion rates. They release less greenhouse gasses and ammonia for one-kilogram meat production compared to cattle and pork production. This makes insect production an ecologic protein resource. It is possible to use waste resources for insect production and recycle bio-waste for meat production.High protein insects are a very good and economic source for feed formulations. Essential amino acids, fats, vitamins and minerals are abundant and therefore they are very important. Their protein quality is comparable to soybean and fish meals which are the main feed ingredients presently. Digestibility is very high (87-90%). Minerals like phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium are rich. Insects will be directly or indirectly consumed in the future as food or feeding ingredient. Keywords: aquaculture, insects, protein source