Effect of Black Soldier Fly (Hermatiaillucen L.) Larvae Meal with Citrus Peels on Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of African Catfish

The effects of completely substituting Black Soldier Fly (Hermatiaillucen L.) for fishmeal and adding orange, tangerine, or tangelo peel as phyto-additives on the development, nutrient consumption, and hematology of African Catfish juvenile (Clariasgariepinus) were investigated in 70-days experiment. Seven diets containing 40% crude protein using fishmeal (25% contributed protein) in the control diet fishmeal was replaced equi-protein in the six other diets from Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. Three of the six diets were supplemented with either 1 or 2% of either sweet orange, tangerine, or tangelo peel (ORG1, TGR1 TGL1, ORG2, TGR2, and TGL2, respectively). 315 juveniles were distributed into 21 plastic bowls each containing 15 (8.48 to 8.57g/fish) of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Fish-fed TGR2 produced the lowest values but the highest FCR, while fish-fed the control diet responded best in the following growth indices: FMW, MWG, PWG, SGR, FCR, FER, PER, and Survival (97.77%). The FMW, MWG, PWG, and SGR values of fish fed the control and the other diets differed significantly (p < 0.05). The physicochemical parameters for Clarias gariepinus were all within the optimal range. Although rich in protein, BSF may not be an ideal independent protein source. However, citrus peels, especially orange peels, when incorporated into the diet, could serve as an effective additive for promoting sustainable aquaculture feeds, provided it is paired with a more complete protein source to ensure adequate nutritional intake.