INSECT BASE DIETARY CRUDE PROTEIN AS A SUBSTITUTION OF FISH MEAL AND DIETARY NUTRIENT EFFICIENCY IN GROWING OF CHANNA MARULIUS AND CTENOPHARYNGODON IDELLA

Abstract

The Black solider fly Hermetia illucens, larvae meal (BSFLM) is a good source of protein alternative to fish meal (FM). The quality of fish fishmeal has been challenged economically in the aquaculture feed industry. The current research  was designed to identify the varying ingredient content levels of black soldier fly products (BSFP), recorded highest crude protein 42% and moisture 28.5% in mature fly, crude fiber 20.5%, and total Ash 14.5% in BSFL shell, crude fat 25.5%, in the pupa. The Black soldier fly larvae meal was tested 6-week experiments on Ctenopharyngodon idella 60 fingerlings (initial average length 1.58inch, 3.4gm weight and final body length and weight (4.38±0.10^a, 15.00±0.00 ^a). Respectively, Channa marulius fingerlings initial average length is 6.52cm, weight 3.52gm and gain final body length and weight (8.50±0.18 ^a, 6.00±0.16 ^a). The Sixty fingerlings of each fish were divided into three groups: commercial and BSFLM feed. The feeds conversion ratio (FCR) of C. idella (2.564) and C. marulius (2.155) was calculated with the commercial base diet. The BSFLM (FCR) value of C. idella (1.4368) and C. marulius (2.106). The growth rate has a significant difference (P <0.05) and the strongest correlation recorded, temperature, ammonia, total dissolved solids, and water pH to affect the fish growth. No adverse effects were noted from the utilization of BSFLM, the formula was recommended to be used for   C. idella and C. marulius fish. We concluded from our study that the BSFLM supplementation shown promising biological effects and cost-effective alternative protein and energy sources for C. idella and C. marulius fish in term of their growth traits.