Evaluation of Black Soldier Fly Larvae as a Sustainable Protein Source for Catfish Production in Nigeria

This study evaluates the use of black soldier fly larvae meal as a sustainable protein replacement for fishmeal in the diet of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Nigeria, examining growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut histology, and cost-effectiveness. The high cost and sustainability concerns associated with fishmeal, which constitutes 30 to 45 percent of catfish feed cost in Nigeria, motivate investigation of alternative protein sources. Black soldier fly larvae meal, producible locally from organic waste substrates, has high crude protein content and favourable amino acid profiles that make it a candidate fishmeal substitute. This study conducts a 56-day feeding trial at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta aquaculture research unit using 360 juvenile catfish (average initial weight 8.4 grams) allocated to six dietary treatments with BSFL meal replacing 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 percent of fishmeal protein. Growth parameters, apparent digestibility coefficients, hepatosomatic index, gut morphology, and feed cost per kilogram weight gain are measured. Findings reveal that 60 percent fishmeal replacement with BSFL meal produces specific growth rates and feed conversion ratios statistically equivalent to the fishmeal control. Apparent protein digestibility at 60 percent replacement is 87.4 percent. Intestinal villus height and goblet cell density are superior in BSFL-supplemented fish compared to the fishmeal control, suggesting gut health benefits. Feed cost per kilogram gain is reduced by 34 percent at 60 percent replacement. The study contributes original BSFL inclusion data for Nigerian catfish and recommends 60 percent fishmeal replacement as the optimal partial substitution level.

Keywords: black soldier fly larvae, catfish production, fishmeal replacement, Nigeria, sustainable aquaculture.