Assessment of Cirina butyrospermi Caterpillar Meal as a Sustainable Protein Source for Aquarium-Reared Brazilian Strain Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Larvae

In an effort to identify sustainable alternative protein sources for larval tilapia and reduce dependence on conventional animal-based proteins in aquaculture, a study was conducted at the Nangui Abrogoua University fish farm. The experiment utilized Oreochromis niloticus (Brazil strain) and aimed to evaluate fry growth and the nutritional impact of incorporating shea caterpillar (Cirina butyrospermi) meal into the diet. This approach aligns with sustainability goals by minimizing reliance on fishmeal. Fry with an initial weight of 0.035 ± 0.01g were fed three experimental diets containing 15% (A15), 20% (A20), and 25% (A25) C. butyrospermi meal. These diets were formulated using locally sourced agricultural by-products and compared to a control diet (AT), which did not include shea caterpillar meal. The base composition of the formulated diets included soybean meal, cottonseed meal, rice bran, wheat bran, and vegetable oil. The experiment was carried out in twelve aquaria, with three replicates per dietary treatment, and a stocking density of 4.13 fry/L, equivalent to 60 fry per aquarium. After 60 days of rearing, the feed conversion ratios (FCR) were recorded as 1.87 ± 0.34 (A15), 1.43 ± 0.34 (A20), and 1.97 ± 0.44 (A25). In contrast, the control diet (AT) exhibited a significantly higher FCR of 2.79 ± 0.51. By the end of the trial, survival rates were equal to or exceeded 93.75% across all dietary treatments.