Total Crude Protein and Fat in Meat of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fed a Diet Containing Dried Larvae of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens)

Abstract

The development of fisheries in Indonesia has been increased for several decades. However, the public interest in utilizing fisheries products still low compared to the livestock. It because they think that the protein from fish is lower than the livestock. This study aimed to analyze the potency of feed formulation using larvae of black soldier fly (BSF/Hermetia illucens) on total crude protein and fat in the meat of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). This study used 120 African catfish seeds as animal models. They were separated into four groups as follows: P0 = control, P1 = 5% dried larvae of BSF, P2 = 7% dried larvae of BSF, and P3 = 9% dried larvae of BSF. The feed was given four times a day for 30 days. The meat of African catfish was collected on day 8 and its total crude protein, fat, and ratio of crude protein/fat were tested. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 with a probability value (p<0.05). The result showed that utilization of BSF larvae in African catfish decreased the total crude fat compared to the control (p<0.05), however not regarding the total crude protein (p>0.05). Another result showed that there is a significant increase in the ratio of crude protein/fat in the treated group compared to the control (p<0.05). There is no significant difference regarding total crude fat and ratio of crude protein/fat between the treated group with 5%, 7%, and 9% of BSF larvae in this study. It indicated that feed formulation using larvae of BSF maintained the protein content and depressed fat formation inside the muscle tissue. In conclusion, the feed formulation using 5% of BSF larvae could be used as the alternative fish feed with a better result in the depressing fat formation and increase of the ratio of crude protein/fat compared to the commercial feed.