Assessing fish physiological responses to dietary inclusion levels of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) prepupae meal: a focus on traditional and innovative laboratory approaches and a look towards future approaches

One of the major challenges of the aquaculture sector is currently represented by the search of alternative and more sustainable ingredients respect to conventional marine-derived raw materials used for aquafeeds formulations, promoting productivity and fish welfare. In this context, insects have received great attention due to their promising nutritional profile and the low environmental footprint associated to their rearing. Particularly, research has been focused on the investigation of different inclusion levels of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) prepupae meal in dietary formulations intended for several fish species. The effects of BSF-based diets on fish growth performance, welfare and quality have been assessed through different laboratory approaches that have provided a wide and complete view on advantages and drawbacks in using this ingredient for modern aquafeeds.