Research Article

EFFECTS OF FISH MEAL REPLACEMENT BY MAGGOT MEAL IN DIETS OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS FINGERLING (BURCHELL, 1822)

Ogo, P. M1*, Musa A., M1, Muhammed, Z. H.2
1 Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University Gashua, Yobe, Nigeria
2 Department of Fisheries, Univer sity of Maiduguri, Nigeria.
* Corresponding author: ogopm@gjids.org.ng
Published: Nov, 2025
DOI: 10.67390/gjids.2025.13arof3o
Pages: 13-24

Abstract

The effects of fish meal replacement by maggot meal in diets of Clarias gariepinus fingerling fed different levels of maggot meal were investigated. Four (4) experimental diets were formulated to contain 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% of maggot meal and were designated as T1 (0% inclusion), T2 (25% inclusion), T3 (50% inclusion) and T4 (75% inclusion) in a completely randomized design. Twelve (12) net hapa 1m×1m×1.2m were suspended in a polythene collapsible pond with the aid of Kuralon twine tied to iron pegs. The polythene collapsible pond was filled to the brim with borehole water. Each treatment had three replicates, with 10 fish accommodated in each hapa (mean initial body weight (10.86±0.03 g) per fish. Water temperature and other water quality parameters were monitored for 120 days. The results for growth and feed utilization revealed that the best experimental diet was the 75% inclusion level, as it gave the best weight gain (170.53g), specific growth rate (1.02%days), feed conversion ratio (1.48) and protein efficiency ratio (194.60), compared with the other diets. Cost-benefit analysis showed that fish fed 75% maggot meal has the best economic return, net profit (1377₦) and profit index (4.17) compared to other treatments. This result indicated that a 75% maggot meal diet of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings as a replacement for fish meal improves the nutritive value for fish, hence can serve as an alternative ingredient and replacement for fish meal in fish feed production.

Keywords

Maggot meal Fish meal Clarias gariepinus feed conversion ratio

References

  1. Abdulmalik, Y. B., & Bolanle, S. (2017). Growth and feed utilization value of fermented Tamarindus indica L. seed in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758). Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 18(6), 905-911.
  2. Agbohessou, P. S., Mandiki, S. N. M., Flamion, E., & Kestemont, P. (2021). Enriched black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal improves biochemical and nutritional quality of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) without compromising growth. Aquaculture Nutrition, 27(5), 1498-1510. https://doi.org/10.1111/anu.13293
  3. Akinrotimi, O. A., Ansa, E. J., Owhonda, K. N., Onunkwo, D. N., Anyanwu, P. E., Edun, O. M., Opera, J. Y., & Cliffe, P. T. (2020). Effect of transportation stress on haematological parameters of blackchin tilapia Sarotherodon melanotheron. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 6, 841-845.
  4. AOAC. (2000). Official methods of analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (15th ed.). AOAC International.
  5. Barraga, F. K., Nils, T. G., Amir, A., Fatma, A., & Ty, C. F. (2022). Insects: A source of safe and sustainable food. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5.
  6. Compaore, I., Sourabie, C. I., & Sawadogo, S. (2023). Effects of fish meal replacement by maggot meal in diets for Nile tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) in Burkina Faso. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 11(5), 32-38.
  7. European Commission. (2023). Circular bioeconomy strategies in aquaculture. https://ec.europa.eu/
  8. Fawole, F. J., Mafwia, H. A., Adegoke, N., Nwachi, S., Hossain, M. S., & Ghadamosi, O. K. (2022). Housefly maggot meal complements soybean meal in a fish-free diet for hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus × Heterobranchus longifilis): Effect on growth, body composition, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Aquaculture, 547, 737498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.20 22.737498
  9. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2021). National aquaculture sector overview: Nigeria. https://www.fao.org/
  10. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2022). The state of world fisheries and aquaculture 2022. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc0461en
  11. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2023). Agricultural outlook 2023-2032 (p. 215).
  12. Hardouin, J., Dongmo, T., Ekoue, S. K., Loa, C., Malekan, M., & Matukisa, M. (2000). Technical breeding guide No. 7 on maggots [Online]. Office for the Exchange and Distribution of Information on Mini-Livestock (B.E.D.I.M.).
  13. Mensah, G. A., Pomaelgni, S. C. B., Koudjou, A. L., Cakpovi, J. G., Adjahouton, K. Y. K. B., & Agoudo, A. (2007). Fly maggot meal, a highly valued source of protein in the diet of Muscovy ducks. Workshop: Natural and Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Faculty of Sciences and Cultures, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
  14. Ogunji, J. O., Iheanacho, S. C., Mgbabu, C. N., Amaechi, N. C., & Evlubi, O. O. C. (2021). Housefly maggot meal as a potent bioresource for fish feed to facilitate early gonadal development in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Sustainability, 13(2), 921. https://doi.org/10.3390/su1302091
  15. Rahul, D., Kumar, B. S., Abdul Hassan, M. D., Gopal, K., Narinder, K. C., & Kiran, D. (2023). Valorization of insect waste as a source of dietary protein replacing the fishmeal protein for cage-reared Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Journal of Animal Feed Science and Technology, 303.
  16. Shumo, M., Khamis, F. M., Tanga, C. M., Fiaboe, K. K., Subramanian, S., Sunday, E., Schluter, O. K., Van Huis, A., & Borgemeister, C. (2021). A molecular survey of bacterial species in the guts of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) on two urban organic waste streams in Kenya. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12.
  17. Sogbesan, O. A., Ahmed, Y. M., & Ajijola, K. O. (2017). Growth performance, nutrient utilization, somatic indices and cost-benefit analyses of African basil leaf additive diets on Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings. Journal of Animal Research and Nutrition, 2(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.21767/2572-5459.100030
  18. Tacon, A. G. J., Lemos, D., & Metian, M. (2020). Fish for health: Improved nutritional quality of cultured fish for human consumption. Reviews in Fisheries Science and Aquaculture, 28, 449-458.
  19. World Bank. (2023). Advancing sustainable aquaculture: Pathways for low- and middle-income countries. https://www.worldbank.org/
  20. Zhang, Y., Li, X., Jiang, L., Wu, P., Sun, Y., & Wang, J. (2019). Substituting fish meal with housefly (Musca domestica) maggot meal in diets for bullfrog Rana (Lithobates) catesbeiana: Effects on growth, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant capacity, and gut health. Aquaculture, 499, 295-305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.20 18.09.052
  21. housefly (Musca domestica) maggot meal in diets for bullfrog Rana (Lithobates) catesbeiana: Effects on growth, digestive enzymes activity, antioxidant capacity and gut health. Aquaculture, 499, 295-305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.20 18.09.0521
How to Cite

M, O. P., M, M. A., & H., M. Z. (2025). EFFECTS OF FISH MEAL REPLACEMENT BY MAGGOT MEAL IN DIETS OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS FINGERLING (BURCHELL, 1822). Gashua Journal of Irrigation and Desertification Studies, 3(1), 13-24. https://doi.org/10.67390/gjids.2025.13arof3o

O. P. M, M. A. M, and M. Z. H., "EFFECTS OF FISH MEAL REPLACEMENT BY MAGGOT MEAL IN DIETS OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS FINGERLING (BURCHELL, 1822)," Gashua Journal of Irrigation and Desertification Studies, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 13-24, November 2025. doi: 10.67390/gjids.2025.13arof3o

Share this article:
Facebook X / Twitter LinkedIn
Download PDF View Full Text (PDF) Back to Articles