BLACK SOLDIER FLY FED TO STURGEON Acipenser baerii JUVENILES: DIGESTIBILITY AND WHOLE BODY COMPOSITION

The role of aquaculture is determinant for the global fish production and for the supply of the increasing demand for fishery products. Aquaculture is currently facing sustainability issues, among which the supply of new and eco-friendly protein sources., Researches have highlighted that insect-based protein meals could represent a valid alternative to conventional protein (fish or plant protein meals) (Gasco et al., 2016). Moreover, their production is claimed to be highly sustainable (van Huis, 2013). Recent amendments of the Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 on processed animal proteins (PAPs) will authorize the use of PAPs from insect from July 2017. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens - BSF) is listed among the insect species that can be used. The aim of research was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of a defatted BSF larvae meal on whole body composition and in vivo dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE) apparent digestibility (ADC) of juveniles sturgeons (Acipenser baerii).