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

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.