Estimation of applicability of protein hydrolysate of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae prepared using enzymatic hydrolysis as a fish feed component

Abstract

The special advantage of black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) larvae for use as feed is their high protein content and low chitin content, which makes the larvae easier to digest, making them nutritious for fish, farm animals and birds. It has been reported that BSF larvae contain all the amino acids necessary for animal protein, including the essential amino acids, also macro- and micronutrients. The technological parameters of BSF larvae protein hydrolysis procedure were optimized. Some physicochemical parameters of the hydrolysate and the yield of hydrolysis were estimated for the hydrolysate prepared according to the optimized parameters. The sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) starter feed having 10% of its fishmeal portion substituted with BSF larvae protein hydrolysate has been tested. The BSF larvae protein hydrolysate may be included in fish feed formulations, especially in starter feeds.