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VOL. 8, ISSUE 6 (2023)
Effect of four insect meals on the growth performance, survival, total carotenoid content and body composition of an ornamental fish Xiphophorus helleri (Poeciliidae)
Authors
Dr. Mousumi Das
Abstract
In order to find alternative sustainable
protein sources for ornamental fish culture, a six-months feeding trial was
conducted to evaluate the effect of four insect meals (grasshopper, cricket,
mealworm and black soldier fly larvae) and commercial meal (control) on the
growth performance, food utilization, survival, total carotenoid deposition in skin
and muscle tissue, and whole-body composition of swordtail, Xiphophorus
helleri. A total number of 450 juveniles of uniform size (0.04±0.001 gm)
were divided 15 glass aquariums having five experimental dietary sets with
three replicates and each aquarium was stocked with 30 juveniles of swordtail.
The result of proximate composition of diets revealed that protein content in
percent was significantly higher in black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) (52.80±0.50%),
followed by mealworm meal (MWM) (45.06±0.53%) and lower in cricket meal (35.67±0.88%).
Final weight and length were found significantly higher in MWM (3.45±0.13 gm
and 6.62±0.09 cm), followed by BSFLM (2.84±0.12 gm and 6.08±0.06 cm), whereas
lower in cricket meal (1.07±0.03 gm and 4.40±0.08 cm). The maximum value of
specific growth rate (SGR) in percent and weight gain were obtained from MWM
fed set (2.48±0.01% and 3.41±0.13gm) and a lower value was noted in cricket
meal fed set (1.84±0.02% and 1.03±0.03gm). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the
control fish (commercial meal) was 2.31±0.06 whereas the best FCR was found in
fishes of MWM fed set (3.01±0.08) and the poorest in cricket meal fed set
(2.87±0.03). Survival percentage was ranged from 98.33% to 70% and a higher
mean value was observed in MWM fed set and significantly lower in cricket meal
fed set. Total carotenoid content in fish skin and muscle tissue was
significantly higher (10.53±0.26μg/g) in MWM set and lower in commercial meal fed set (0.54±0.03), whereas
a good value was noted in the BSFLM (8.41±0.21μg/g) set. No effect of different dietary treatments on whole-body
composition were found. Present study revealed that insect meals were better
than commercial meal and among the four insect meals, MWM could significantly
enhance growth, feed utilization, survival and skin pigmentation of swordtail.
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Pages:23-29
How to cite this article:
Dr. Mousumi Das "Effect of four insect meals on the growth performance, survival, total carotenoid content and body composition of an ornamental fish <i>Xiphophorus helleri </i>(Poeciliidae)". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 8, Issue 6, 2023, Pages 23-29
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