Evaluation of Growth Performance of Nile <i>Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus niloticus Fed Piophila casei</i> Maggot Meal (Magmeal) Diets

Abstract

A relatively new approach is the use of insects as a source of animal protein in fish nutrition. Houseflies larvae utilise decaying organic waste to produce animal protein and the larvae can be used to produce a meal (magmeal). Interestingly study of the use of magmeal as substitute for fish meal in fish diets have increased in recent times. In the present work, a feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the potential of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) as a protein source for Nile tilapia (<i> Oreochromis niloticus niloticus </i>). The results of the present study revealed that all the experimental diets were accepted by O. niloticus niloticus. This implies that the different experimental feed ingredients did not affect the palatability of the diets. The good overall growth performances and no mortality obtained in both experimental group of this study confirm the suitability of chosen nutritional composition for tilapia. FCR values below 1 have been reported here, indicating the most efficient utilisation of food by <i> Oreochromis niloticus niloticus </i>. The fish fed on maggot diet exhibited a higher K value compared to those fed on commercial diet. The results suggested that dietary maggot meal promoted the growth of Nile tilapia and enhanced nutrient utilization which is reflected in improved length gain, weight gain, FCR, and SGR. Progressive increment in length gain, weight gain and SGR were observed in maggot meal based diet, recording better growth than commercial based diet, concluding that maggot diet has the best performance. Based on the result obtained from the experiment, it is hereby recommended that 100% maggot meal can be included in the diet of O. <i> niloticus nilotcus </i> to reduce cost and maximize profit.