EVALUATING GROWTH AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE (Hermetia illucens) REARED ON THREE DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES FOR SUSTAINABLE AQUAFEED PRODUCTION

Abstract

As a result of the escalating cost and unsustainable production of fishmeal, a primary protein source in aquaculture, there is an urgent need for cost-effective, nutritionally comparable alternatives, with Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae emerging as a promising feedstuff due to their nutritional profile. This study evaluated the growth performance and nutritional composition of BSF larvae reared on Wheat Offal (WO), Brewers Dried Grain (BDG), and a 50:50 mixture of both substrates to determine the most suitable option for sustainable production. Larvae (416 g per treatment) were reared in a completely randomized design for six days, with substrates replaced every three days. Biomass gain, survival rate, feed consumption, and proximate composition of larvae were determined. Biomass gain and feed consumption did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among treatments; however, BDG-fed larvae achieved the highest survival (57.83%). Larvae raised on BDG had superior protein and lipid contents compared to WO and the mixture. These results suggest BDG offers better nutritional support, likely due to higher protein content, digestibility, and moisture retention. BDG is therefore a viable substrate for BSF production, a promising fishmeal replacement in aquaculture feeds