Flylab, in collaboration with Kasetsart University, unveiled the findings of an insightful study on the impact of FLMeal (black soldier fly larvae meal) on the growth performance of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The study, led by Dr. Orapint Jintasataporn, focused on assessing the viability of FLMeal as a substitute for fishmeal in shrimp diets, aiming to optimize growth potential while addressing the limitations of traditional feed ingredients. The results of this experiment present a significant step forward in sustainable aquaculture practices.
Pacific white shrimp is the most important farmed penaeid and is widely cultivated in Asia. This study holds particular relevance due to its potential implications for the aquaculture industry in the region and beyond. By replacing fishmeal with FLMeal, the research sought to find out how dietary protein levels would be affected by the substitution. Could FLMeal be a viable and accessible alternative to fishmeal? The study aimed to answer these questions.
Experimental conditions
The 15 aquariums, each with a capacity of 240 liters and containing 180 liters of 15 parts per thousand saline water, provided the ideal environment for the experiment. A total of 15 shrimp were introduced into each aquarium weighing approximately 1-2 grams, creating a lively and dynamic setting for their growth. To ensure the shrimp's health, aeration systems were utilized to maintain a dissolved oxygen level of more than 5 milligrams per liter in a semi-enclosed system. Shrimp were fed a carefully crafted diet incorporating FLMeal, administered three times a day at a dose of 5-8% of their body weight for a period of three weeks under normal conditions. The feed contained 36-38% CP (protein) and 6.5-7% fat, ensuring a balanced and nutritious meal plan. To maintain a pristine environment, a 30% water change was conducted every three days, ensuring the shrimp's habitat remained clean and inviting throughout the experiment.
Treatment groups
The study was comprised of five treatment groups, each with a different composition of feed to evaluate the effects of alternative feed formulations on Pacific white shrimp growth performance. The treatment groups were as follows: T1 – Control FM 15%: This group served as the control, using a basal feed formula with a 15% fishmeal content that represents the standard diet commonly used for Pacific white shrimp; T2 – BSF-10% of FM (Replace 10% of fishmeal by FLMeal 1.5%): In this group, 10% of the fishmeal in the control feed was replaced with FLMeal at a concentration of 1.5%; T3 – BSF-25% of FM (Replace 25% of fishmeal by FLMeal 3.75%); T4 – BSF-50% of FM (Replace 50% of fishmeal by FLMeal 7.5%); T5 – BSF-60% of FM (Replace 60% of fishmeal by FLMeal 9%).
Improved growth performance
The study revealed that Pacific white shrimp fed diets containing FLMeal showed higher weight gains compared to the control group. The treatment groups with increasing levels of fishmeal substitution exhibited weight gains ranging from 1.33 to 1.57 grams at 2 weeks and 6.96 to 7.98 grams at 8 weeks.
Enhanced survival rates
The treatment groups incorporating FLMeal exhibited improved survival rates compared to the control group. After 8 weeks, the group with 60% fishmeal replacement achieved the highest survival rate of 91.11%.
Enhanced feed conversion efficiency
As fishmeal was progressively substituted with FLMeal, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved. The group with 60% fishmeal replacement achieved the lowest FCR of 1.12, indicating a more efficient conversion of feed into shrimp biomass.
Cooked shrimp color determination
The study also assessed the color of cooked shrimp, as it can be indicative of shrimp health and influence customer buying decisions. The results showed that the different proportions of fishmeal and FLMeal resulted in varying colors for the cooked shrimp.
The study's findings demonstrate that FLMeal can be effectively used as a sustainable and cost-effective replacement for fishmeal in the diets of Pacific white shrimp. The incorporation of FLMeal not only promotes growth performance, higher survival rates, and improved feed conversion efficiency but also has the potential to reduce costs in shrimp feed production.
"Flylab and Kasetsart University's collaborative study represents a significant step towards more sustainable aquaculture practices. By leveraging alternative feed ingredients such as FLMeal, the aquaculture industry can enhance its environmental footprint while ensuring the long-term viability of shrimp farming," the company said.
