The effect of flour-based feed black soldier fly larvae on crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus von Martens) growth

Abstract

Feeding in accordance with the level of nutritional needs can support the optimum growth of crayfish. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae has potential as feed source because it contains high protein, relatively short harvest period, available in abundance. This study aims to determine the effect of feed pellets made from BSF larvae flour on the growth of crayfish. This research was carried out from October 2022 to January 2023 at the Zoology Laboratory of the Biology Education Department, University of Jember. This study used a laboratory experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD). The research used 3 treatments and 3 replications, namely control (P0) using fish flour-based feeding, treatment 1 (P1) using BSF flour-based feed, and treatment 2 (P2) using fish flour and BSF flour-based feed. Parameters observed include carapace length, wet biomass, dry biomass, Feed Utilization Efficiency (FUE), and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) that measured once a week. The results showed that the three treatments had no effect significantly. Based on the result, pellet feed designed using BSF larvae flour and fish flour can be recommended as an alternative feed for replacement pellet feed that formulated using fish flour.