Enhancing Growth and Feed Efficiency in the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) Using Black Soldier Larvae Meal (Hermetia illucens L.) as a Sustainable Aquafeed Source | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | ||
| Volume 29, Issue 5, September and October 2025, Pages 1849-1870 PDF (349.57 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2025.424203.6589 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Hesham Abozaid* 1; Hamed A. A. Omar2; Dr Dalia M Aboelhassan3; Yasser Ahmed El-Nomeary4; Ali S.M. El-Nadi5; Inas Ghaly6; Hasnaa A Radwan6; waffa Tafik abass7 | ||
| 1Department of Animal Production, Agricultural and Biology Institute. National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth Street, P.O:12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. | ||
| 2Department of Animal Production, Agricultural and Biology Institute. National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt. | ||
| 333 st Tahrir | ||
| 4NationalDepartment of Animal Production, Agricultural and Biology Institute. National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt. research centre | ||
| 51Animal Production Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth Street, P.O: 12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. | ||
| 6Cell Biology Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt | ||
| 7Hydrobiology Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth Street, P.O:12622, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt and Cell biology | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study evaluated the effects of incorporating black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) at 0, 15, 30, and 45% of total ration (D1–D4) on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, and energy retention of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. A total of 120 fingerlings, with an initial average weight of 365 ± 0.685g, were acclimated and randomly assigned to 12 aquariums (10 fish per aquarium). BSFLM analysis revealed 35.40% crude protein, 30.00% ether extract, 17.95% ash, and 5511 kcal/kg dry matter gross energy. All experimental diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous with minimal differences in caloric content. Results indicated that fish fed diets containing 15, 30, or 45% BSFLM exhibited significant improvements in final weight, total body weight gain, average daily gain, specific growth rate, relative growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and protein productive value. The incorporation of BSFLM also enhanced energy retention, recorded at 16.27, 30.37, 21.36, and 18.75%, and PPV% values of 18.33, 41.25, 31.25, and 38.40% for D1–D4, respectively. Fish body composition was significantly influenced by BSFLM, showing increased CP% and decreased dry matter, EE, ash, and gross energy content, while organic matter remained unaffected. Moreover, inclusion of BSFLM reduced feed costs and improved net economic efficiency. These findings suggest that BSFLM is a promising alternative aquafeed source in the Nile tilapia diets, capable of enhancing growth performance, improving feed utilization, increasing energy retention and protein productivity, and reducing feeding costs. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of BSFLM at different levels positively influenced growth, body composition, energy utilization, and economic efficiency in the Nile tilapia fingerlings, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and cost-effective feed ingredient for aquaculture. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Black soldier fly larvae meal; Nile tilapia fingerlings; Growth performance; Feed utilization; Sustainable aquafeed | ||
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