Effects of Black Soldier Larvae (BSFL) and earthworm feeding to the growth performance of Betta fish (Betta Splenders)

A study was conducted to determine the effect of earthworm feed and Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) feed as an alternative to Fish Meal on growth performance and nutritional content of feed formulation of betta fish. Earthworm is known as a soil-dwelling burrowing annelid worm that aids in aeration, drainage, and the burial of organic materials. It is also known for its good quality of crude protein. While BSFL is commonly referred as Black soldier fly larvae, it is an insect that contains a high concentration of crude protein and a various amount of amino acids. The diets were formulated into 9 different types of inclusions treatments. From 9 treatments, 1 of them is a constant treatment which given fish meal and the other 8 treatments were Earthworm and BSFL each given 4 inclusion which is 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. 54 different fishes were observed throughout the research period, 35 days. Each treatment received 3 replicates. Proximate analysis was conducted to determine the nutrient content of fish meal, earthworm and BSFL. Weight Gain, Specific Growth Rate, Feed Conversion rate were collected. The results showed that 50% of Earthworm has the highest percentage weight gain at 19.46% and the lower feed conversion rate for the 5 weeks. However, 75% BSFL showed a positive result in percentage weight gain and feed conversion ratio. In term of growth performance, overall 50% of Earthworm showed excellent result in dry matter and crude fat content in fish feed. To conclude, the maximum performance is achieved from 50% Earthworm inclusion. 50% of Earthworm has the greatest result in growth performance and nutritional content without any adverse effect so that it can replace the fish meal as a protein source with that particular inclusion other than BSFL.