Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (BSFLM) as an alternative protein source in sustainable aquaculture production: A scoping review of its comprehensive impact on shrimp and prawn farming

Abstract

Aquaculture, a globally expanding industry, confronts significant challenges in sourcing sustainable and clean feed, especially for shrimp and prawn species within the Arthropoda family. The traditional reliance on fish meal (FM) poses ecological and economic dilemmas, driving the quest for alternative, environmentally-friendly protein sources. Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (BSFLM) has emerged as a promising candidate, offering a high protein content, essential amino acids, and strong sustainability credentials. These include its contribution to waste reduction and the circular economy, positioning BSFLM as a clean and sustainable alternative. This scoping review, adhering to the PRISMA-SR guidelines, systematically evaluates the current research on BSFLM inclusion in shrimp and prawn aquaculture diets. We conducted a thorough literature search from January 2000 to May 2023 across multiple databases, focusing on studies investigating the impacts of BSFLM as a direct FM substitute. We provide an in-depth analysis of BSFLM's comprehensive impact on crucial aquaculture aspects such as growth performance, feed efficiency, survival rates, body composition, and health. Notably, we explore BSFLM's influence on digestive enzyme activities, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant activities, immune responses, biochemical and metabolic parameters, and the health and morphology of intestinal and hepatic systems. Our review extends to the nutritional dynamics of BSFLM, the role of chitin, and the effects on water quality, underscoring both the potential benefits and challenges of BSFLM implementation. BSFLM demonstrates a spectrum of effects from enhancing growth performance to influencing health and nutrient metabolism, varying with inclusion levels. While offering a sustainable and clean alternative to FM, BSFLM's integration into aquaculture demands a nuanced approach, considering species-specific responses and ecological impacts. The review underlines the necessity for further comprehensive research, economic evaluation, and policy development to optimize the use of BSFLM in sustainable aquaculture practices.