PERFORMANCE OF HYBRID AFRICAN CATFISH (Heteroclarias) FINGERINGS FED DIETS CONTAINING Aphodius rufipes LARVAE MEAL AND Hermetia illucens LARVAE MEALS

This study investigated the growth performance and health of hybrid African catfish
(Heteroclarias) fingerlings fed diets containing varying inclusion levels (0 %, 15 %, 30 %, and
45 %) of Aphodius rufipes larvae meal (ARLM) and Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HILM).
Seven (7) iso-nitrogenous diets (40 % crude protein) were formulated and ten (10) fingerlings
were stocked per aquarium (45 × 30 × 24 cm³) for a 70-day feeding trial. Growth parameters
(weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio), haematological indices (packed cell
volume, haemoglobin, platelet count), proximate and mineral compositions of fish carcasses
were assessed. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test
(DMRT) were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). Results showed no significant differences
(p>0.05) in weight gain, average daily gain, protein efficiency ratio or feed conversion ratio
among treatments. However, the 30 % ARLM diet yielded the highest weight gain (25.26 g).
Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in protein retention, apparent net protein
utilization, protein retention efficiency, survival rate, haematological indices and carcass
compositions (proximate and minerals). The study revealed that ARLM and HILM could be
incorporated into Heteroclarias fingerlings diets up to 45 % without negatively impacting
growth or health.