Evaluation of Growth Performance of Catfish (clarias Gariepinus) Fed With Wholesome Black Soldier Fly Larvae (hermetia Illucens)

Recent studies assert that Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), known as Black Soldier Fly is a sustainable alternative food for catfish. This study evaluated the growth performance of catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Siluriformes: Clariidae) fed with wholesome black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). Forty-five catfish with an average weight of 5.978g were divided into three groups of fifteen. Each group was replicated thrice into a 32L tank. The physical properties of the water used for the study were checked with a multiparameter water quality meter. The fish in groups A and B were fed wholesome black soldier fly larvae at 4% and 8% of their body weight while group C was fed conventional fish feed at 4% of their body weight. The fish were fed twice daily irrespective of the group, their body length and weight were respectively measured weekly. The results showed that weight gain varied significantly (p< 0.05) as 4% conventional feed achieved the highest weight gain (27.53±3.43g), followed by 8% BSFL (14.53±4.64g), and 4% BSFL (5.47±3.22g). The daily growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and length increase followed the same pattern. However, 8% BSFL yielded the highest percentage weight gain (107.02±44.84) and survival rate than conventional feed, which had only 6.67%. The haematological results of the fish were low irrespective of feed source. Feeding the fish wholesome BSFL generated better income than the conventional feed thus, suggesting that wholesome BSFL is a viable feed alternative to raising catfish.