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

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.