Effects of black soldier fly (Hermatia illucens) larvae as a fish meal replacement on growth performance, feed utilisation, morphological characters and carcass composition of Thai climbing perch (Anabas testudineus)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effects of replacing fish meal protein with different levels of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal (Hermetia illucens) in Thai climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) diets were assessed. Five isonitrogenous (43.69 ± 0.60%) diets were formulated to replace 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% fish meal with BSF larvae meal. Fish (1.90 ± 0.02 g) were fed at 5% body weight, twice a day for 56 days. Highest mean weight gain, average daily weight gain, specific growth rate and optimal feed conversion ratio were measured at 75% larvae meal replacement. Hepatosomatic index (HSI), visceral somatic index (VSI), crude lipid and crude protein contents in treated groups were higher than the control (P < .05). Results indicated that BSF larvae meal protein can be used to partially replace fish meal and improve growth performance and feed utilization, while increases in HSI, VSI and crude lipid content may negatively impact fish health.