Utilization and growth performance of Nile Tilapia fed Asian latrine fly maggots

Abstract

The overall aim of the study was to estimate the digestibility of maggots by modifying diet replacement method, checking if fermentation activity occurs in mid to last part of intestine in Nile tilapia, and to evaluate the maggots potential as source of protein and lipid by conducting a growth trial. An eight day digestibility and 56 day growth trial was conducted to evaluate the digestibility of Asian latrine fly, Cryosoma megacephala maggots and, the growth performance parameters of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fed with maggots as the only source of protein and lipid. For digestibility trial, basal diet was replaced with one third and two third maggots. Feces were collected by dissecting the fish. Apparent digestibility coefficient for mid and distal parts of intestine were evaluated separately for energy, nitrogen and minerals, Ca, k, Mg, P and Zn. ADC of energy for two third maggot diet was significantly (P<0.05) high than one third replaced maggot diet and basal diet made of all plant protein sources. ADC of minerals showed high variations because of water borne mineral uptake by the fish. Cumulative feed intake (g), weight gain (g), final weight (g) and feed conversion ratio did not shown any significant differences for the fish fed with the maggot diet and the fish fed with the plant diet. High inclusion level of maggots in the maggot feed altered the growth performance negatively in the 2nd month of growth trial. So it is suggested that inclusion of maggots in the diet should be done preferably with less inclusion level and after having complete knowledge of the adverse effects of them.