Effects of Artemia Salina Substitution by Maggot Meal on Growth Performance and Body Composition of Africa Catfish Heterobranchus Longifilis (Valenciennes, 1840) Larvae

Abstract

Housefly Musca domestica larvae meal used as substitute of Artemia salina in catfish larvae diets has increased in recent researches. In this study, a feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimal level of Artemia meal substitution by maggot meal for Heterobranchus longifilis larvae growth. Four diets were formulated at 35% crude protein by replacement of Artemia meal by maggot meal of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% in the control diet on protein based. Fish initial body weight of 0.0071 g were stocked at 1 larvae/L and fed ad libitum to triplicate groups three times a day for 49 days. Results revealed that all levels of dietary maggot meal inclusion have improved the larvae growth. Growth and survival parameters were better at 75% of Artemia meal replacement followed by 50%. At the end of the experiment, significantly highest carcass ash content was recorded with fish fed with 75% and 100% of maggot meal inclusion while the fish lipid content was higher in fish fed control diet at 25% and 50% of Artemia meal replacement. Present results showed that 75% of Artemia substitution in 35% protein diet was the best level to improve growth of Heterobranchus longifilis larvae without adverse effects on fish biochemical composition.