Effects of different inclusion rates of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) on physical properties of Macrobrachium Rosenbergii juvenile feed

In the animal feed industry, aquaculture is the fastest-growing sector. One of the freshwater aquaculture species contributing to the national economy is the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). However, the rising cost of food containing imported protein sources like fish meal has made it difficult for many farmers to keep their farms afloat and stay in the industry. Compared to expensive fish feed, black soldier fly larvae are one of the protein sources that are not yet well-known as a primary source of protein. Its advantages include a high feed conversion rate and high nutritional content and a short life cycle that can be effectively optimized in feed formulation. This study aimed to produce a sustainable physical properties of shrimp feed for juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii growth. Differences in total percentage consumption of BSFL in 5 different diets which is Diet I, Diet II, Diet III, Diet IV, and Diet V which represent 0% BSFL as a control, 10% BSFL, 20% BSFL, 30% BSFL and 40% BSFL. The results of this study showed the physical properties of feed formulation for BSFL diet 30% better than compared to other diet test. This study proved that the physical properties with the addition of BSFL did not affect the feed formulation for Macrobrachium rosenbergii for growth and it paves the way for more research on new protein sources for animal feed, as well as bringing the potential benefits of BSFL to public attention.