The on growth, histology of intestinal and hepatopancreas of using black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal in the diets of Pontastacus leptodactylus juvenile

ÖZDOĞAN H. B. E., BAHADIR KOCA S., Özmen Ö., Erol K. G., Özkök R., Uzunmehmetoğlu O. Y., ...More

Journal of Applied Aquaculture, vol.37, no.3, pp.308-320, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 37 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/10454438.2024.2416527
  • Journal Name: Journal of Applied Aquaculture
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, BIOSIS, Environment Index, Geobase
  • Page Numbers: pp.308-320
  • Keywords: Growth performance, hermetia illucens, histomorphology, insect meal, pontastacus leptodactylus
  • Isparta University of Applied Sciences Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In 60 days of feeding, a trial was conducted to evaluate the effects on liver, gut histology, and growth performance of using defatted black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (BSF) larvae meal as a fish meal (FM) protein alternative in the diet of Pontastacus leptodactylus. Fish meal protein was replaced with BSF meal protein at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Six hundred crayfish with an initial weight of 0.033 g were randomly divided into 24 experimental groups with four repetitions. There were no significant differences observed in cheliped, molting numbers, or survival rates between the groups (p >.05). However, adding more than 60% BSF to feeds caused pathological findings in the hepatopancreas,and the intestines. The results of this study showed that 40% defatted BSF meal can be used as a protein source replacement for fish meal protein without affecting the survival rate and growth of P. leptodactylus juveniles.