Evaluation of Catfish Raised with Wholesome Black Soldier Fly Larvae in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Recent studies assert that Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) are a sustainable alternative food for animal production. This study evaluated the growth, haematological profiles, and cost analysis of catfish raised with wholesome BSFL and conventional feed (CF) for 4 weeks. Forty-five catfish (approx.17.10 ± 0.49g) were divided into three groups (A, B, & C) into 32L tanks. The physical properties of the water used for the study were ascertained with a multi-parameter water quality checker. The catfish in groups A and B were fed wholesome BSFL at 4% and 8%, while group C was fed CF at 4% of their body weights. Feeding was done twice daily in each group; their body length and weight were measured weekly. Haematological profiles of the catfish in each group were evaluated at the end of the study, and their cost of production was calculated. The data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS v-25. The results showed that catfish raised with 4% CF (33.81g) weighed significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the 8% (30.67g) and 4% (23.23g) BSFL. Similarly, length increase and percentage weight gain follow same trend, but feed conversion efficiency was better in 8% BSFL. The haematological profiles of the catfish were generally low, but the 8% BSFL was comparatively better than the 4% BSFL and 4% CF, and also in production cost. This indicates that 8% wholesome BSFL body weight is a viable feed alternative to raising catfish.