In aquaculture practice, fishmeal and black soldier fly larvae are not simply a matter of "one replacing the other," but rather a contest between the "gold standard" and a "functional challenger."

In aquaculture practice, fishmeal and black soldier fly larvae are not simply a matter of "one replacing the other," but rather a contest between the "gold standard" and a "functional challenger."

Based on the latest research data and feedback from large-scale farms, we will analyze their performance in real-world scenarios.

Fishmeal:

Performance: Extremely stable. Whether for fish, shrimp, or piglets, the growth rate (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) are typically the highest after using high-quality fishmeal.

Reason: Due to its amino acid ratio being highly similar to that of vertebrates and containing the aforementioned "unknown growth-promoting factor (UGF)," the digestive burden on animals is minimal.

Black Soldier Fly (BSFL):

Performance: At a replacement ratio of 15%-40%, the growth effect is basically on par with fishmeal.

Points to note: If fishmeal is 100% replaced, the growth rate of some aquatic species (such as carnivorous fish) may decrease slightly. This is because black soldier flies have a slightly lower methionine content, and excessive chitin can slightly affect digestibility.

Practical conclusion: Partially replacing fishmeal in the formula can reduce costs without sacrificing growth rate.

2. Immunity and Survival Rate: The Black Soldier Fly's "Underdog Strength"

This is where black soldier flies completely outperform fishmeal in practice.

· Disease Resistance: Black soldier flies are rich in lauric acid and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In comparative experiments on whiteleg shrimp and California bass, the survival rate of the group fed with black soldier flies was typically 15%-30% higher than that of the group fed only fishmeal when facing pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

· Gut Health: The chitin in black soldier flies acts like a prebiotic, significantly improving the gut microbiota of animals. However, high proportions of fishmeal can sometimes lead to intestinal inflammation (especially when the formula is unbalanced).

3. Meat Texture and Flavor: The Surprising Benefits of Black Soldier Fly

· Flavor Enhancement: Farming practices have shown that poultry (such as free-range chickens) or aquatic animals fed with black soldier flies have firmer meat and a unique "umami" flavor.

· Fatty Acid Optimization: While fishmeal is rich in Omega-3, black soldier fly powder can significantly alter the fat composition of livestock and poultry. For example, eggs fed with black soldier flies have darker yolks and a richer flavor, making them highly competitive in the high-end organic market.

Comprehensive Test Comparison Table