Innovative Collaboration Creates Omega-3-Rich Insect Feed from Fish Waste

A Game-Changer in Animal Feed: Omega-3-Enriched Black Soldier Fly Larvae

In a remarkable development, NRGene Canada and Ile-a-la-Crosse Fish Company Inc. have celebrated a critical milestone in their partnership focused on black soldier fly (BSF) larvae production. This innovative collaboration aims to utilize fish-processing by-products to create larvae enriched with valuable omega-3 fatty acids, thereby advancing agricultural sustainability and boosting local economies in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Turning Waste into Wealth

The partnership, which started in January 2025, set out to transform a regional waste product of limited economic value into a viable resource. The initiative not only seeks to generate a new revenue stream but also has significant implications for job creation in Ile-a-la-Crosse, SK. By processing fish waste locally, the partnership supports the fishing industry in Northwest Saskatchewan, offering local harvesters new financial opportunities.

Semi-Industrial Trials Prove Viability

Given the high moisture and fat content of fish-processing by-products, their use in conventional BSF production poses significant challenges due to quick spoilage and handling difficulties. To address this, NRGene Canada dedicated efforts to develop a specialized feed recipe, tested under controlled conditions to ensure high production efficiency. During a recent semi-industrial trial conducted at the North American Insect Center (NAIC) in Saskatoon, they successfully processed 0.3 metric tons of feed—50% of which consisted of fish-processing waste—yielding approximately 90 kilograms of MaxBSF™ larvae.

Yossi Levi, NRGene Canada's Chief Business Officer, expressed optimism about the results: “We set out to demonstrate that a difficult waste stream could be converted efficiently at a commercially meaningful scale. The trial validated our approach, confirming that both the process and the underlying economics are sound.”

Enhanced Nutritional Profile for Animal Feed

Analysis by Prairie Tide Diversified Inc. confirmed that the MaxBSF™ larvae produced using this fish-based feed were rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, outpacing larvae raised on conventional feed significantly in nutritional value. This higher omega-3 content can enhance poultry diets, potentially increasing the omega-3 levels in eggs laid by hens fed the MaxBites™ product. According to Dr. Ben Gradus, Director of Product at NRGene Canada, this breakthrough means that the larvae can now serve a dual advantage—providing insect protein alongside beneficial marine omega-3 fatty acids.

Future Expansion: On-Site Rearing Facility

With the feed recipe now validated, NRGene Canada and Ile-a-la-Crosse Fish Company are set to embark on building an on-site BSF rearing facility tailored to the needs of the local fish waste stream. This new facility will not only reduce transportation logistics for perishable feedstock but also enhance local job creation, ensuring that the community benefits more comprehensively. Juvenile larvae will be supplied by FairGene, a collaboration between NRGene Canada and Fairville Farming Co., which recently initiated BSF egg production.

“We are proud to lead the charge on this innovative work,” stated Tyler Morin, CEO of Ile-a-la-Crosse Fish Company. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our cultural values concerning sustainability and our local way of life. By processing our by-products locally, we keep more jobs and value within the community.”

A Scalable Model for Future Opportunities

The project is poised to serve as a scalable model for similar initiatives in different regions. NRGene Canada’s strategy of pairing centralized egg production with local rearing operations shows promise for turning local organic waste into high-value insect proteins across various communities.

This collaboration stands as a testament to how innovation, sustainability, and community can come together to create lasting impact. As NRGene Canada continues to evolve its genetic research and development processes, the future of sustainable animal feed looks increasingly bright, offering not only economic benefits but also contributing to environmental sustainability goals.