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Emerging insect-based aquafeed for sustainable African catfish production
Anderson N Maina1,2, Isaac M Osuga1,3, Leonard K Munga2
1International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.
Plos One
|November 26, 2025
Summary
Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) can replace fish meal (FM) in African catfish diets, improving growth and nutritional value. BSFLM offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for aquaculture.
Area of Science:
- Aquaculture
- Animal Nutrition
- Sustainable Agriculture
Background:
- Fish meal (FM) is a primary protein source in aquaculture feeds.
- Overfishing and rising costs necessitate sustainable alternatives to FM.
- Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) presents a promising alternative protein source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of substituting FM with BSFLM on African catfish (Clarius gariepinus) production.
- To assess the nutritional composition and economic viability of BSFLM-based diets.
- To determine the optimal inclusion level of BSFLM for sustainable aquaculture.
Main Methods:
- Five isocaloric experimental diets were formulated with varying BSFLM inclusion levels.
- A 168-day feeding trial was conducted with 1400 African catfish.
- Growth performance, feed utilization, fillet composition, and economic returns were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Fish fed diets with 50% BSFLM showed optimal growth performance.
- BSFLM inclusion increased crude protein, essential amino acids (lysine, methionine), and omega-6 fatty acids in fillets.
- Diets with 50% BSFLM yielded the highest return on investment (105.2%) and cost-benefit ratio (1.05).
Conclusions:
- BSFLM is a viable and sustainable substitute for FM in African catfish diets.
- Incorporating 50-75% BSFLM enhances fillet nutritional quality and improves economic efficiency.
- BSFLM offers significant potential for the future of sustainable aquaculture feed.
