Evaluation of palm weevil larvae meal (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) as an alternative protein source for pre-pregnancy juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (LINNE, 1758) strain "Brazil" in aquaria

Abstract

With the aim of promoting the feeding of tilapia for good production in aquaculture farms in Côte d'Ivoire, three diets with incorporation rates of 15%, 20% and 25% of Rhynchophorus phoenicis weevil larvae meal were prepared using a feed based on agricultural by-products as a control diet (AT). A total of 360 fish, with an average weight of 1.51±0.05 g, were placed in twelve aquaria, with 30 fry per aquarium in triplicate. The fry were fed daily ad libitum at a ration rate of 10% of their live weight for the first two weeks and 5% for the rest of the rearing period. After 90 days of rearing, the best feed conversion was obtained with the R25 diet (1.33±0.17), followed by the R20 diet (1.38±0.22; 20.42±0.85 g). The lowest daily growth (0.13±0.01 g/day) and the highest conversion index (1.94±0.23) were recorded with the control. Survival rates were greater than or equal to 92.85%. At the end of this study, weevil larvae meal can be considered as à good alternative raw material for tilapia feed.