Growth Performance of fish by insect feed

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of using insect-based fish feed on the growth of Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp). A meal in powder form was produced using the larvae of blowflies. The mixture contained either 20% or 40% larvae, combined with conventional ingredients. The fish fingerlings were divided into three groups and fed with this formulated feed for 10 weeks, while ensuring the physio-chemical parameters were within the optimum range. The study measured various growth parameters such as mortality rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), length, and weight. The results showed that the fish diet based on insects greatly accelerated growth, with the group fed with 40% maggot meal growing to the largest size and length. While the group fed with 20% maggot meal also demonstrated an increased growth rate, the FCR was highest in the group fed with 40% maggot meal. Additionally, the group fed with maggot meal had a lower mortality rate. This study report investigates the use of prepared aquatic feeds containing meals from five different insect species. The study concludes that, although insect-based diets show promise as an alternative to inexpensive and unappetizing fish meals, further experimentation with different compositions of insect-based diets is needed in order to achieve optimal results. It is likely that the extensive raising and processing of insects for use as a component of fish feed will benefit aquaculture's viability and profitability in the years to come."

Keywords

• Blow fly, Maggot meal, Fish growth rate, FCR. Insect feed