Author(s): AB Gana, S Tijani and R Ibrahim

Abstract: A feeding trial was conducted in 18 (34 litres) plastic bowls for 56 days to evaluate the nutrient utilization, haematological indices and carcass compositions of Heteroclarias fingerlings fed Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) larvae meal. Six 40 % experimental diets were formulated with different replacement levels of Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HILM) and designated as T1 (0 % HILM: control), T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 containing 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, and 100 % respectively. 10 fingerlings (2.54 g – 2.57 g) were stocked into each 18 plastic bowl and fed thrice daily to satiation. At the end of the experimental duration, the fish fed T2 had the highest weight gain. However, significant differences (P>0.05) were recorded among treatment means in weight gain. There was no significant difference (P<0.05) in feed conversion ratio between T1 and T2, however, significant differences were recorded between T5 and T6. No significant differences were recorded among treatment means in their survival rate. In the haematological indices of the experimental fish fed Hermetia illucens larvae meal, there were no significant differences (P<0.05) among the fish fed T3 – T5 in packed cell volume, though there was a significant difference (P>0.05) between T1, T2 and T6. No significant difference recorded among treatment means in the red blood cell, however, a significant difference was recorded in white blood cell between fish fed T1, T3 and T2, T5, T6. The proximate compositions (wet basis) profile of the experimental fish fed Hermetia illucens larvae meal showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) among treatment means in moisture content. However, no significant difference (P>0.05) was recorded among the treatment means in crude fibre. Hermetia illucens larvae meal can be included in the diet of Heteroclarias fingerlings without negatively affecting their health condition and survival.

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