In Canada, the Enterra Feed Corporation received approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to sell its Whole Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae as a feed ingredient for farmed salmon, trout and arctic char. This is the first Canadian approval of an insect-based aquaculture feed ingredient, and follows the CFIA’s approval using this same product in feed for chicken broilers last year.
Production of fish meal, which is a standard aquaculture feed ingredient, can deplete wild ocean fish stocks and is subject to substantial price fluctuations. Soybean meal requires significant agricultural inputs that could otherwise be used more efficiently to grow food for people.
“Insects are a natural source of digestible protein and fat for fish, including salmon and trout,” said Dr. Brad Hicks, a veterinarian and partner in Taplow Feeds, an aquaculture feed manufacturer. “This product will contribute to healthy, active fish and is a great alternative feed ingredient.”