Valorization of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) in aquaculture: nutritional analysis and fish meal substitution in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59228/rcst.026.v5.i1.242Keywords:
Clarias gariepinus, black soldier fly, substitution, nutrition, aquaculture, Democratic Republic of CongoAbstract
This bibliographic review analyzes the advisability of incorporating Hermetia illucens larvae into the diet of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) as a substitute for fish meal. Our research confirms the nutritional value of this insect, which has protein and fat content levels of 37.75% and 32.61% respectively. A comparison of essential amino acid profiles shows that the larvae contain all the necessary nutrients, although the lysine (2.18%) and methionine (0.66%) content is lower than that of fishmeal (4.89% and 1.77%) or soybean meal (3.02% and 1.84%). It has been observed that nutritional composition varies depending on the nature of the substrate, in proportion to the larvae raised. In terms of fish meal replacement rate, the data converge toward an optimal incorporation rate of 50% in juvenile C. gariepinus. Beyond its nutritional value, the larva is important for its ecological benefits, particularly its ability to convert biowaste into protein and frass. Given the environmental challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is appropriate that the exploitation of this resource could provide solutions to unsanitary conditions and the development of sustainable agriculture. That is why it would be advisable to conduct further local research on this species in order to guide policy makers towards this solution, which addresses two socio-economic issues.
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