Aquaculture sector is progressing at fast pace in Pakistan, so aqua-feed industry has a vast prospect to flourish. The most commonly used protein sources are fish meal and soybean meal. Considering the sustainable protein sources, alternative protein sources are being searched. Use of insects in fish feed has proved its value due to fast fish growth and high feed conversion efficiency. Insects contain high quality protein (up to 74.4 % dry matter), balanced amino acid profile, minerals, and vitamins. Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) are particularly promising among insects because they are good source of proteins for fish diets.
Present study was carried out to investigate the effects of replacement of soybean meal by black soldier fly larvae meal on growth and amino acids profile in rohu (Labeo rohita). Trial started in April, 2022 and continued for four weeks. Four isonitrogenous (23% crude protein) diets were prepared replacing soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%). Fingerlings were (average initial weight= 27.50±0.30 g) reared in replicates and fed at the rate of 2 % of their total body weight. At the end of the trial, survival rate, total body weight, total body length, condition factor, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio was calculated. Profile of amino acid was determined in fish muscles. It was observed that replacement of soybean meal by black soldier fly larvae meal improved growth and amino acid profile of rohu. Essential amino acids like arginine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, and lysine were higher in group with 30% soybean meal replacement. It can be concluded that black soldier fly meal can be an alternative protein source for fish feed of rohu.