Dietary Supplementation of Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Nile Tilapia

Dietary supplementation of black soldier fly larvae for Nile tilapia refers to research evaluating insect-based protein alternatives to traditional fishmeal in aquaculture systems.

Background

In a 2024 study led by Md. Sahed Khan and colleagues at the International Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference, black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) was evaluated as a feed supplement for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS). The study aimed to address high feed costs in commercial aquaculture by exploring insect-based protein alternatives to traditional fishmeal.

Key Findings

The research tested four dietary formulations replacing fishmeal with BSFLM at 0% (Control), 10% (T1), 20% (T2), and 30% (T3). The key findings were:

  • Fat content in tilapia muscle increased with higher BSFLM inclusion, peaking at 12.76% in the 30% replacement group (T3).
  • Protein content was highest in the control group (76.44%), demonstrating an inverse relationship with BSFLM supplementation levels.
  • Among the 17 identified amino acids, glutamic acid was predominant, accounting for 18.1% to 18.3%.
  • Oleic acid was The Primary fatty acid detected (32.65% to 35.08%), followed by palmitic acid (24.67% to 26.03%).

The study concluded that while BSFLM shows promise as an alternative protein source, large-scale studies are required before recommending it as a full replacement for fishmeal in commercial tilapia diets.

Researchers

The research was conducted by a joint team from the University of Dhaka, BCSIR, and the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute:

  • **Md. Sahed Khan** (Department Of Fisheries, University of Dhaka)
  • **Md. Rakibul Hasan** (Institute of Technology Transfer and Innovation, BCSIR)
  • **S. M. Rashadul Islam** (Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute)
  • **Shawon Ahmmed** (Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka)
  • **Mohammad Shamsur Rahman** (Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka)