Growth Performances of Clarias gariepinus Fry Fed Hermetia illucens Based Diet Supplemented with Synthetic Amino Acids (Methionine and Lysine)

Objective: this study focused on the effect of a local feed supplement with synthetic amino acids (methionine and lysine) on the survival and growth of Clarias gariepinus fry in happas.

Study Design: the study took place at the DJOKWE aquaculture farm located in the Cameroon Littoral Region, Moungo Department, Nkongsamba 1st District.

Methodology: Six (06) local T0- diets without synthetic amino acid negative control, T0+ coppens imported feed positive control, T1 (L1.5/M1) containing 1.5% lysine and 1% methionine, T2 (L1, 5/M1.5) containing 1.5% lysine and 1.5% methionine, T3 (M1/L2) containing 1% methionine and 2% lysine, T4 (M1/L2.5) containing 1% methionine and 2.5% lysine were tested in triplicate on 540 fry of 10± 3.1g distributed in 18 happas of 0.5 m2. The fish were fed 3 times per day at a rate of 8% of the ichthyo biomass. Every 14 days, zootechnical parameters were evaluated.

Results: depending on the level of supplementation, the survival rate was higher for the T0+ coppens treatment, 96.66%, and lower for T4 (M1/L2.5) supplemented with 1% methionine and 2.5% of lysine with 80%. The significantly highest average weight gain (p<0.05) was recorded with the T0+coppens treatment (89.67±1.52g) compared to the T1 (L1.5/M1) and low (66. 33 ±00g) compared to treatment T3 (M1/L2). The specific growth rate was higher (p˃0.05) or (2.83%±0.16g/d) with T2(L1.5/M1.5) and lower (0.78%±0 .02%g/d) for T0+ coppens. As for the condition factor K, it is significantly higher for the T0+coppens treatment (0.46%±0.030) and lower for the T4 treatment (0.29±0.023).

Conclusion: the incorporation of 5% of black soldier fly larva into local feed supplemented with 1.5% lysine and 1% methionine makes it possible to improve the survival of Clarias gariepinus fry but also their growth as well as the production cost.