Harnessing black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) larvae meal for crustacean feed: A review of advances, challenges and future trends

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal is a sustainable aquafeed protein source for crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. The BSFL meal is high in protein (35–60%), lipids (17–49%), antimicrobial peptides, bioactive substances and biopolymer chitin. The use of BSFL meal in crustacean aquaculture has several benefits, including replacing fishmeal (FM), reducing feed cost, and having no adverse environmental impacts. A variety of factors, including rearing technology, optimization of substrate, and processing methods, were found to influence the nutrient profile and digestibility of crustaceans. In addition, growth performance, feed conversion, immunity, and disease resistance of crustacean species were reported, when fishmeal was partially or completely replaced in their diets. The feed safety regulations, microbial contamination, heavy metal load, variations in proximate composition, and varying levels of amino acids across larval stages were considered as major obstacles. Further, the economic feasibility of insect-derived feeds also depends upon consumer acceptability and the production of insect-based feeds on a large scale. However, future research investigations should focus on replacing insufficient nutrients, improving processing, and conducting long-term feeding experiments. Incorporating BSFL feed into crustacean aquaculture could substantially promote circular bioeconomy goals while improving industrial resilience.