The effect of defatted black soldier fly meal (Hermetia illucens) inclusion in the formulated diet on the growth, gene expression, and histopathology of juvenile lobster (Panulirus ornatus Fabricius, 1798)

Abstract The present study investigated the potential use of defatted black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) meal as a protein source in formulated feed for juvenile lobsters, Panulirus ornatus . A total 160 heads lobsters with initial weight 0.24 ± 0.01 g and length 21.77 0.32 mm were distributed evenly into 16 rectangular fiberglass aquaria kept individually 8 weeks feeding experiment. Four feeds containing BSF fishmeal replacements at 0%, 25%, 35%, 50% dietary to energy ratio ~ 26 CP MJ −1 prepared assigned BSF0, BSF25, BSF35, BSF50, respectively. Fishmeal is technically suitable aquafeed ingredient terms crude protein, moisture, amino acid compositions. partially substituted has higher lipid ash content than fishmeal. At end week trial, specific growth rate, increment, survival moulting rate lobster not significantly P > 0.05) affected by replacement. replacement did alter whole-body proximate composition lobster. However, it < superoxidase dismutase lobsters. cytokine cell expression analysis indicated that up 35% increased inflammatory cells (Interleukin 17) lobster, while an adverse impact was observed on receiving meal. Histopathological showed hepatopancreas damaged following beyond 35%. can be used