Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal improves growth performance, feed utilization, amino acids profile, and economic benefits of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L.)

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) on the growth performance, feed utilization, carcass body composition, and amino acids profile of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Three isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) diets containing BSFLM in varying proportions of 0% (BSFLM0), 50% (BSFLM50), and 100% (BSFLM100), were formulated to replace SBM. A commercial diet (COMM0) sourced from the local market was used as a positive control. Male sex-reversed O. niloticus juveniles of a mean weight 20.88 ±0.16 g were stocked in 12 cages each at a density of 12.5 fish m-3. Fish were hand-fed at 5% (28 days), 3% (54 days), and 2.5% (84 days) of the body weight twice a day (1000 hrs and 1600 hrs). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in the final body weight, body weight gain (BWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate, and condition factor (K). The best growth performance and feed utilization was recorded in fish fed on BSFLM100. The different diets had significant effects on the body composition and amino acid profiles of the experimental fish (P<0.05). Fish fed on BSFLM100 exhibited highest values for phenylalanine, threonine, Isoleucine, lysine, proline, and glutamic acid amino acids. The partial enterprise budget analysis indicated that replacing SBM with BSFLM at 50% and 100% reduced the cost of production compared to the control diet (BSFLM0) and commercial diet (COMM0). The study demonstrated that BSFLM is a cost-effective alternative to SBM in the diets of Oreochromis niloticus hence can replace soybean meal up to 100% without negative effect on growth and carcass body composition.

Substitution of Maggot Meal (Hermetia illucens) in Feeds to The Growth Performance and Survival Rate of Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

“…According to Devic et al (2018), the protein content in the maggot-based feed is influenced by the increased inclusion of soy meal as a good source of protein but does not contain essential amino acids. The higher the plant-based ingredients, such as soy meal, the higher the antinutrient content, making it difficult for fish to digest the feed optimally (SHATI et al, 2022).…”

Growth performance and economic analysis of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)

“…Where; GP = Gross Profit, TR = Total Revenue (KES), TC = Total Cost (KES). Profitability was determined by the break-even price which was calculated by dividing total costs per unit price of fish (Shati et al, 2022;Musa et al, 2021).…”

Toward sustainable food systems: can spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) become a sustainable source of protein to enhance the nutritional benefits of cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)?

“…Aquaculture production in Kenya was at 21,076 MT in 2021(KeFS, 2022, representing only 15% of the total fish production in Kenya, while per capita fish consumption is still at 4.5 kg per year, which is far below the global annual average of 13.3 kg per capita (Troell et al, 2023). Aquaculture production is affected by the high cost of feeds due to the high and rising costs of fish meal among other conventional protein sources such as soybean meal (Shati et al, 2022). Proteins are the most expensive feed components, and cheaper alternative protein sources would be desirable to cut down on feeding costs and make fish more affordable to low-income populations.…”