Green macroalgae Ulva lactuca and Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, L.) larvae in the Diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Effect on the growth performance and feed utilization

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effect of the green macroalgae Ulva lactuca and black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens, L.) on the growth performance and feed utilization of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four experimental diets containing different proportions of Ulva lactuca and black soldier fly larvae were developed to meet the nutritional requirements of Nile tilapia (approx. 21.7 MJ/kg gross energy). Diets were tested in triplicate. The fish were fed three times a day at 9:00 am, 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm for 45 days.A total of 360 Tilapia juveniles with an average weight of 12.72± 0.3g and an average length of 8.86 ± 0.5cm were stocked in twelve rectangular tanks fed by a recirculating aquaculture system. Each tank (0.8 meter cube) had a water volume of 300 L/500 and was stocked with 30 fish, giving a density of around 0.1 g/L. During the acclimatization period (15 days), Tilapia were fed to satiation with a commercial feed (2mm, Protein 28%, Mineral matter 20%, Fat & oil 5%, Moisture 12%). During the experimental period (2 weeks), the physico-chemical parameters of the water were regularly checked using the Hanna Oximeter, the HI-gghhh Aquaculture Photometer. Temperature (19.5 ± 0.3°C), dissolved oxygen (5.77 ± 0.6 mg/l), pH (7.2 ± 0.3), Amonia NH3 0.28 mg/l, nitrite NO2