The Immune Response of a Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal on Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in an Aquacultural Setting
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Jacob Bledsoe (Mentor), University of Idaho
Abstract
As the demand for aquaculture rises, affordable and sustainable alternatives to traditional feed are vital to optimize productivity. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larva (BSFL)--based meals closely resemble the diet of a wild rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and have been shown to promote their growth and immune system’s response. However, studies involving this feed were conducted in controlled laboratory environments. Because of this, we ran a farm trial that would mimic real-world applications in an uncontrolled aquacultural setting. We extracted spleen and distal intestinal samples from rainbow trout fed a control fishmeal-based diet, and trout fed the BSFL-based diet. We extracted RNA and transcribed it into cDNA to use quantitative PCR to determine what mRNA was being expressed at the time of euthanasia, allowing us to determine the expression of four target genes. These include two pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1Β and TNF-α), an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). With qPCR results, we will soon observe if BSFL-based meals benefit growth and immune responses in rainbow trout raised in commercial settings. Once completed, these results will give crucial insight into developing sustainable and effective feed for rainbow trout and aquaculture.
The Immune Response of a Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal on Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in an Aquacultural Setting
As the demand for aquaculture rises, affordable and sustainable alternatives to traditional feed are vital to optimize productivity. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larva (BSFL)--based meals closely resemble the diet of a wild rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and have been shown to promote their growth and immune system’s response. However, studies involving this feed were conducted in controlled laboratory environments. Because of this, we ran a farm trial that would mimic real-world applications in an uncontrolled aquacultural setting. We extracted spleen and distal intestinal samples from rainbow trout fed a control fishmeal-based diet, and trout fed the BSFL-based diet. We extracted RNA and transcribed it into cDNA to use quantitative PCR to determine what mRNA was being expressed at the time of euthanasia, allowing us to determine the expression of four target genes. These include two pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1Β and TNF-α), an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). With qPCR results, we will soon observe if BSFL-based meals benefit growth and immune responses in rainbow trout raised in commercial settings. Once completed, these results will give crucial insight into developing sustainable and effective feed for rainbow trout and aquaculture.