Mealworms might be better suited to sea bass diets than the larvae of black soldier fly

Sea bass fare better on diets containing protein from mealworms compared to protein obtained from black soldier fly larvae, according to new research. In the study, researchers from CIIMAR in Portugal looked at the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of five commercially available insect larvae meals used in diets for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles.

The researchers conclude that “the high protein level, high protein digestibility suggests that Tenebrio molitor larvae meals are the most promising protein sources tested for European sea bass, with potential to replace fishmeal without impairing nutrient digestibility.”

The results of the study were published under the title “Nutritional value of different insect larvae meals as protein sources for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles”, in the recent issue of Aquaculture Research. To access the paper please follow the link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0044848619334532