New study shows insect protein boosts salmon growth, quality, and profitability

NORWAY – A recent commercial trial revealed that incorporating a small percentage of high-quality insect protein into Atlantic salmon feed significantly enhances yield, quality, and taste. 

The study conducted by Aller Aqua in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and Austevoll Melaks demonstrated that using ProteinX black soldier fly meal, developed by Protix, as a feed ingredient leads to measurable improvements in fish growth and market value.

The study compared a conventional salmon diet with a 4% ProteinX insect meal, replacing soy protein concentrate. 

The trials, conducted at Austevoll Melaks AS salmon farm in Norway, examined fish weight, shape, external welfare indicators, and slaughter yield. 

Additionally, raw fillets were assessed for firmness, gaping, color, skeletal muscle composition, fat content, astaxanthin levels, and amino acid profiles. A sensory panel of 50 participants evaluated the taste of the baked fillets.

The study’s results showed significant improvements in several key areas. Atlantic salmon fed with ProteinX reached an average body weight that was 9.6% higher than the control group’s, with fish growing to an average of 4,669 grams compared to 4,260 grams in the control group. 

Additionally, gutted weight was 12.5% higher, and the slaughter yield, calculated as gutted weight relative to body weight, was statistically significantly higher in the insect-fed salmon, proving that even a small inclusion of 4% ProteinX in salmon diets can increase the amount of sellable fish for farmers.

Beyond yield, the study also revealed notable enhancements in quality. The fish fed ProteinX outperformed the control group in four critical areas: firmness, gaping, color, and melanin spots. 

A texture analysis demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in firmness and reduced fillet gaping. Coloration analysis using the SalmoFan color measurement scale showed an increase of nearly one full point, indicating a more vibrant hue. 

Furthermore, the salmon that consumed the ProteinX meal had fewer dark spots, making them more visually appealing to consumers.

Taste was another area where ProteinX-fed salmon excelled. A blind sensory evaluation, conducted by a panel of 50 participants, found that 70% of tasters preferred the flavor of the salmon raised on ProteinX-based feed. 

These results underscore the potential of high-quality insect protein to enhance the production efficiency of salmon farming and the market appeal of the final product.

Profitability and environmental benefits

To help farmers quantify the financial and environmental advantages of ProteinX-based feed, Protix has launched a new Profit Calculator. 

This tool allows users to input farm size, desired profit margins, and salmon prices to determine the additional revenue generated by replacing soy protein concentrate with insect meal. 

The calculator also highlights the reduced environmental footprint associated with this sustainable feed alternative.

With global salmon production expected to increase by 40% by 2033, securing sustainable feed ingredients is a pressing challenge. The industry faces pressure from environmental regulations, corporate sustainability commitments, and shifting consumer preferences. 

As the latest study confirms, high-quality insect protein like ProteinX offers a scalable and profitable solution to these challenges. These findings pave the way for the aquafeed industry’s more profitable and environmentally sustainable future.

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