Fellow: Nathaniel Sibinga

Mentor: Helene Marquis

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): 

We have recently developed a system to produce insect meal (IM) from housefly (Musca domestica) larvae raised on dairy cow manure. The study proposed here will follow up on this result by demonstrating the utility and value of this system to Northeast farmers: we will raise Rainbow trout (Oncorhychus Mykiss) on diets including IM. Rainbow trout are an important commercial species for hatcheries and aquaculture in the region, and there is significant room for growth of aquaculture production. To achieve this growth however, there is a need for sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to Fishmeal and Fish oil, which are currently limiting ingredients for fish feed. IM is one of the most promising such alternatives – it is high in protein and fat and has a favorable amino acid profile – and is thus poised to become a valuable feed commodity in the near future. We will also examine a recent finding about housefly IM that, if reproducible, would increase its value significantly: its ability to stimulate the fish immune system and increase resistance to disease. This project will take a sustainable and safe method of manure management, apply it in a local context, and investigate how it could open new revenue streams to dairy farmers while also diversifying agricultural production. Under this paradigm, the growth of a sustainable aquaculture industry in the Northeast would provide employment, local healthy food, and additional revenue streams for traditional farmers and farm communities.