Insect feed in sustainable crustacean aquaculture

Abstract

Aquaculture is a growing global food production sector that aims to meet the increasing demand for dietary protein. Crustaceans are an important and predominantly high-priced aquaculture segment that could support the transfer of sustainable new technologies to other sectors. Areas of interest include disease management and compound feeds, both of which have the potential to improve both the profitability and sustainability of aquaculture. Modern compound feeds are largely composed of fishmeal and/or terrestrial plant materials, the production of which is unsustainable, leading to the depletion of finite resources. Insects are a promising protein-rich alternative to fishmeal that can reduce the environmental footprint of aquafeeds and crustacean aquaculture. First research data have shown that insect meal has a favourable nutritional composition with positive health effects, and is environmentally sustainable with a strong economic potential, particularly supporting circular economy by valorising otherwise unused side-streams. In this article, we discuss the current state of crustacean aquaculture and highlight the benefits of insect meal compared to today’s compound aquafeeds in terms of health and growth-promoting properties as well as environmental benefits. We then consider the molecular mechanisms that confer immunity and disease resistance in crustacean aquaculture and show how insect feeds can support disease management and thus consumer health. Next, we assess the environmental sustainability of crustacean aquaculture and insect farming, the legal framework for insect-based feeds and consumer acceptance issues. Lastly, we identify research gaps, socioeconomic considerations and the potential of insect-based sustainable crustacean aquaculture for the global market.

Influence of temperature on embryonic development of Pontastacus leptodactylus freshwater crayfish, and characterization of growth and osmoregulation related genes

“…In general, in the global aquaculture sector crustaceans cover about 9% of production with a continuous annual increase of 10% [ 4 ]. Marine shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei dominates the crustacean production with 52%, and it is followed by the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii with 21% [ 5 ]. Regarding P. leptodactylus , Turkey used to be the main export-oriented country from 1970 to 1986 until crayfish plague epidemics devastated species populations with harvests reaching 5.000 tons (in 1984) and then reduced to 200 (in 1991).…”

Microalgae Technology in Aquaculture Applications: A Comprehensive Literature Review

“…Enhancing feed efficiency through dietary interventions and understanding gut microbiome interactions optimize nutrient utilization and reduce waste, contributing to economic viability. Balanced and sustainable feed ultimately supports aquaculture's profitability and long-term sustainability in an ecofriendly manner (Hancz, 2020;Madkour et al, 2023;Röthig et al, 2023;Tarnecki et al, 2017).…”

Reemplazo de la harina de pescado por harina de Tenebrio molitor en dietas para crustáceos: efectos en el crecimiento y la respuesta inmune

“…Meals made from insects have become feedstuffs that are gaining a lot of interest in recent years due to their potential as possible protein substitutes for fishmeal (Röthig et al, 2023;Shafique et al, 2021). This is because insects have a high content of nutrients that not only include proteins, but also unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, fibers, and minerals (Makkar et al, 2014;Smetana et al, 2019).…”