Influence of black soldier maggots as an alternative protein source on the growth performance of farmed nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to determine the growth performance and Protein efficiency ratio of farmed Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Feeding trail was conducted for 4 weeks. It involved dividing 150 fingerlings (2 months old) into 3 treatments using water happas which were placed in pond of volume 1500m³. Treatment 1 was fed on a formulation containing fish meal as a protein source, treatment 2 was fed on a formulation containing maggot meal as a protein source and treatment 3 was fed on a standard feed obtained from Kajjansi feed distributers. All the fingerlings had an average initial weight of (12.7g). Twice daily, diets were fed to fish at feeding level (5%) of total biomass. Black soldier fly meal improved fish growth performance to (29.6g) and feed efficiency ratio 48%significantly. Black soldier maggots had a good growth performance and feed conversion ratio compared to fish meal. Therefore, black soldier maggot meal is a good protein source for fish.