(Universal Research Publications, 2015-06-01) Adeniyi, Olarinke Victoria, Folorunsho, Comfort ‘Yemi
One hundred and fifty Clarias gariepinus fingerlings were used to evaluate the effect of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) prepupae meal as a protein supplement to replace fish meal on performance and economic efficiency. BSF prepupae meal was incorporated at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% to replace fish meal. Triplicate groups of C. gariepinus fingerlings (3.93 ± 0.01g) were fed the test diets at 5% body weight twice per day for 12 weeks. Parameters measured were Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and economic indices.
Results showed that the MWG was significantly (p˂0.05) reduced with more than 75% level of BSF prepupae meal. Increasing BSF prepupae meal level in the diets had no significant effect (p˂0.05) on PER and SGR while FCR (2.00) value of 100% level was the highest and significantly different from the control diet. However, feed and protein intakes were decreased (p˂0.05) with increasing level of BSF prepupae meal. 100% BSF prepupae meal was least expensive. 50% BSF prepupae dietary level had the highest percentage profit margin (27.73%) and this replacement level is recommended in the production of C. gariepinus for optimum performance and profitability.