Circular Aquaculture Innovation/Thailand/2021
Replacement of Fish Meal by Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal: Effects on Growth, Haematology and Skin Mucus Immunity of Nile Tilapia
Peer-Reviewed
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This 2021 scientific article by researchers from Khon Kaen University, Chiang Mai University and partners, published in Animals (MDPI), evaluates the replacement of fishmeal with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal in diets for Nile tilapia in Thailand. Tilapia is one of the most widely farmed fish in Southeast Asia, and reducing reliance on fishmeal is important for both feed costs and sustainability, particularly as fishmeal supplies decline. The study conducted feeding trials with different levels of insect meal substitution and measured growth performance, feed efficiency, haematological parameters and skin mucus immunity. The results show that black soldier fly larvae meal can substitute for fishmeal without loss of growth or feed efficiency, and that it can improve mucosal immune responses, suggesting potential benefits for fish health and disease resistance. These findings support the use of insect meal as a viable alternative protein in tilapia grow-out feeds. Classed as direct evidence under Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency, the article provides Southeast Asia-based feed-trial evidence for the transition to alternative proteins. It is useful for feed manufacturers, tilapia farmers and extension services considering insect-based feeds, and for researchers building regional evidence on circular feed solutions.
Additional Details
- Author(s)
- Chiang Mai University and partners – Animals (MDPI); Khon Kaen University
- Type
- Scientific article
- Aquaculture / Fisheries Dimension
- Nile tilapia grow-out feeds
- Relevance to Climate Aquaculture
- Direct
- Thematic Area
- Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency
- Climate Issue
- Feed sustainability under declining fishmeal supply
- Adaptation / Key Contribution
- Insect meal substitutes fishmeal without loss of growth or feed efficiency, and improves mucosal immune response
- How to Use / Notes
- SEA-based feed-trial evidence for alternative protein transition