Aquaculture’s growth is constrained by the unsustainable reliance on fishmeal for fish feed, driving the need for alternative solutions. This study explores Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and seaweed (Ulva lactuca) as sustainable feed options for Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). BSFL provides high protein and a robust amino acid profile, while seaweed is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Both ingredients offer potential to improve fish growth performance while reducing environmental impact.
Fish were fed four diets over 12 weeks: a control diet (traditional fishmeal-based), and two experimental diets with three varying inclusion levels of Hermetia illucens and Ulva luctuca meal, respectively. The study used a randomized design with various inclusion levels of each ingredient. Each inclusion level was tested with five replicates.
The 40% BSFL diet resulted in the highest weight gain (48.258g) and superior growth efficiency (SGR of 1.092) compared to other diets, while the 30% Ulva diet demonstrated the best feed efficiency (FCR of 0.605) and improved fish condition (K). The 40% BSFL also had the highest Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) of 1.930. Significant differences in weight gain, SGR, FCR, PER, and condition factor (K) were observed across diets (p<0.05), highlighting the effectiveness of both diets for growth and feed efficiency.