Impacts of replacing fish meal and plant proteins in a standard feed with black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) on initial tilapia growth

Background: The rapid expansion of aquaculture and the declining availability of fish meal, together with concerns regarding its environmental impact, have increased interest in alternative and sustainable protein sources. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM, Hermetia illucens) has emerged as a promising ingredient because of its high protein content and favorable amino acid profile. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a diet containing black soldier fly larvae meal on the growth performance, feed utilization, survival, and economic efficiency of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) fingerlings reared under semi-intensive conditions in the Colombian Caribbean. Methods: A granulated feed was formulated using BSFL as the principal protein and lipid source (38.6% crude protein and 35.8% lipids, dry matter basis), with polyvinylpyrrolidone as a binder. A total of 180 fingerlings were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments with three replicates of 30 fish each. The control group received a commercial diet, whereas the experimental group received the BSFL-based diet. Growth performance, survival, feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), and economic conversion ratio (ECR) were evaluated over a 30-day period. Results: Fish fed the commercial diet reached a final weight of 60.50 ± 1.06 g, whereas those fed the BSFL-based diet reached 58.90 ± 1.20 g. No significant differences were observed in growth performance or survival between treatments (p > 0.05). Feed conversion ratios were 1.38 and 1.42, and specific growth rates were 10.37% and 10.28% day⁻¹ for the commercial and BSFL-based diets, respectively. The ECR was higher for the BSFL-based diet (13.10 USD/kg) than for the commercial diet (9.66 USD/kg), primarily because of the higher cost of BSFL meal. The BSFL-based feed exhibited slightly low buoyancy, while its angle of repose was 36.13°, indicating acceptable flow properties. Conclusions: The results indicate that BSFL meal can serve as a substitute for conventional protein ingredients, as it is technically viable in diets for tilapia fry without compromising their growth or survival rate. However, its economic competitiveness was limited by the high cost of insect meals. It is necessary to reduce BSFL production costs to improve its commercial viability in tropical aquaculture systems.