The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is a widely consumed freshwater fish in Nigeria, prized for its taste and texture. It requires a diet with balanced nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. However, high feed costs—over 50% of production expenses—pose challenges for farmers. Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective protein source, cultivated using organic waste. Fish flesh quality depends on biochemical composition, sensory evaluation, and processing factors like water-holding capacity and cooking loss. This study examines BSF larvae’s potential to enhance aquaculture and improve fish flesh quality
The experiment at the FAO/U.I. BSFL culturing unit and the University of Ibadan’s (Nigeria) aquaculture farm involved 105 Clarias gariepinus juveniles (63.5g average weight) in five treatment groups: (1) 100% commercial diet, (2) 40% BSFL + 60% commercial diet, (3) 80% BSFL + 20% commercial diet, (4) 100% BSFL, and (5) 100% formulated diet. Fish were fed twice daily for 10 weeks. Flesh quality was assessed using sensory evaluation, proximate analysis, gutting yield, water-holding capacity, and cooking loss. Economic analysis examined cost-effectiveness.
Fish fed 40% BSFL achieved the highest gross profit compared to the 100% commercial diet, with Treatment 2 providing the best balance between growth and profitability. BSFL, an eco-friendly alternative to commercial feeds, meets growing consumer demand for sustainable food. Proximate analysis showed variations in moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrates. Cooking loss remained unaffected, but BSFL-fed fish retained more water, improving tenderness. Combining BSFL with commercial feed enhanced water retention and offered sustainability benefits.
This study confirms that integrating BSFL into fish diets reduces costs while maintaining profitability, offering a sustainable, affordable alternative for aquaculture expansion