Mahardini Khanifah, Maftuch, Andi Kurniawan, Uun Yanuhar, Shao-Yang Hu, Ilham Misbakudin Al Zamzami
The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the leading aquaculture commodities worldwide and nationally, supported by rapid growth rates, broad adaptability, and consistent market demand. However, intensified farming practices aimed at increasing production can negatively impact water quality, induce stress, and elevate disease risks, threatening fish health and sustainability. Optimal feed management, including the use of functional feeds such as the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae, rich in protein and bioactive compounds, can enhance immune responses and growth performance. Thus, this study aims to optimize feed formulation by substituting fish meal with BSF larvae at levels of 0, 25, 50, and 75%, and evaluate its effects on growth, survival, and the expression of key metabolic genes, namely Glucokinase (GK) and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD). A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed to assess parameters including growth performance, FCR, survival rate, and gene expression through RT-qPCR analysis. Results indicated that a 50% BSF substitution (R-50) maintained efficient glucose metabolism, reflected by increased GK expression, while supporting optimal growth and feed efficiency. The 75% BSF formulation (R-75) significantly upregulated G6PD expression and achieved the highest survival rate (84%), demonstrating its potential as an immunostimulant diet to bolster stress resilience and disease resistance. In conclusion, appropriate BSF-based feed formulations can sustainably enhance the hematological and genetic performance of the Nile tilapia, supporting more efficient and environmentally friendly aquaculture practices. © 2025, Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health. All rights reserved.
Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, University of Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, University of Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
