Positive effects of replacing commercial feeds by fresh black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in the diets of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): Immune enzyme, water quality, and intestinal microbiota

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of replacing commercial feeds with fresh black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on the immune enzyme activities, water quality in the culturing environment, and intestinal microbiota of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Five different feeding regimes were designed, in which 0% (control group), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% commercial feeds were replaced with equal wet weight of fresh BSFL, respectively. The experiment lasted for 45 days, and the results showed that the serum T-NOS (total nitric oxide synthase), AKP (alkaline phosphatase), and ACP (acid phosphatase) activity were significantly increased in the BSFL25% group. However, the immune enzymes of the hepatopancreas decreased significantly in all the BSFL-containing groups compared to the control group. Total ammonia nitrogen concentrations throughout the experimental phase and nitrate concentrations in the middle and later phases of the experiment were negatively correlated with the replacement rate of fresh BSFL in the diet, whereas pH was positively correlated with the replacement rate of fresh BSFL in the diet. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were dominant phyla in the intestines of shrimps, but the relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes decreased, with those of Bacteroidetes and Planctomycetes increased in the BSFL-containing groups. Among them, higher relative abundances of potential probiotics such as Motilimonas, Shimia, Pseudoalteromonas, and Shewanella and lower relative abundance of genus Vibrio were observed in the fresh BSFL-containing groups. Furthermore, shrimps fed with BSFL-containing diets had higher bacterial richness and diversity in the intestines. In conclusion, a proper replacement of commercial feed with fresh BSFL had a positive effects on the immune-related enzyme activities, water quality, and intestinal health in the L. vannamei.

The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal Can Cost-Effectively Replace Fish Meal in Practical Nursery Diets for Post-Larval Penaeus vannamei under High-Density Culture

“…This led to varying proportions of FML and BSFLM in each diet: 16.50% and 6.33% (BSF25%), 11.00% and 13.04% (BSF50%), 5.50% and 19.74% (BSF75%), and 0% and 26.46% (BSF100%). 12 MetAMINO ® , Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH (Hanau, Germany). DL-Methionine, Feed Grade 99%.…”

“…In shrimp feeds, the BSFLM has been the most extensively studied insect protein source. Its reported benefits have included partial replacement of fish meal [7][8][9][10][11][12][13], improved intestinal health [6,11], growth and feed efficiency [8], higher resistance to Vibrio sp. infection [6,8,9], and increased levels of digestive protease activity [12].…”

“…Its reported benefits have included partial replacement of fish meal [7][8][9][10][11][12][13], improved intestinal health [6,11], growth and feed efficiency [8], higher resistance to Vibrio sp. infection [6,8,9], and increased levels of digestive protease activity [12]. However, both the availability and prices of BSFLM are still a constraint for its widespread use as an ingredient in animal feeds [2] at times where it is considered uncompetitive [14].…”

Pipe Flow Simulation Model on Shrimp Hatching Infrastructure (Hatchery) Through Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Approach

“…The application of a water filtration system, ozonation treatment, and ultraviolet irradiation can help prevent disease outbreaks in hatcheries. Through proper water quality management, the need for medicines and antibiotics can be reduced [10][11][12].…”