Growth performance and survival rate of of Pontastacus leptodactylus juvenile fed with fresh black soldier fly Hermetia illucens, and mealworm Tenebrio molitor larvae

Abstract

In this study, the survival, growth performance, of crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus juvenile were evaluated when fed with five different diets. These diets were conducted CF: commercial feed, Hİ: Fresh Hermetia illucens, CF+Hİ; 50% commercial feed + 50% fresh Hermetia illucens, TM: Fresh Tenebrio molitor, CF+TM: 50% commercial feed + 50% fresh Tenebrio molitor. The experiment lasted for 60 days. The results showed that the survival rate, final body weight, and weight gain were negatively correlated fresh BSF and TM diets. All individuals fed only with BSF and TM diets died in approximately 30th days of the experiment. The final weight, FCR, molting rate and survival rate of crayfish fed with dietary treatment diets were determined significant differences on the 30th day (P < 0.05). The crayfish fed with CF+BSFL and CF+TM diets were similar weight, FCR, molting rate, single cheliped injury, and the control group on the 30th day and 60th day. However, the highest survival rate was observed in crayfish fed with CF diet, CF+BSFL and CF+TM groups followed this group on the 60th day. As a result, TM and BSF diets given fresh alone showed negative results on growth and survival rate in crayfish larvae. By decreasing 50% commercial feeds and using as supplementary feed of TM and BSF larvae can show similar growth as the control group. However, supplemented 50% rate TM to commercial diets cannot be recommended due to reduced survival rates. Fresh BSF can be given to P. astacus larvae by reducing commercial feed by 50% without affecting the survival rate and growth.