Sustainable Aquafeed Substitutes: Elucidating the Physiological Responses of Nile Tilapia to Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal

We aim to investigate the dietary inclusion of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal for Nile tilapia  (Oreochromis  niloticus) fingerlings. As  the  aquaculture  industry  seeks sustainable,environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional feed ingredients, BSFL offers a novel protein source aligned with circular economy principles. Tilapia has a significant share in the aquaculture  sector; however,  the  metabolic  and  health  effects  of dietary  BSFL have  not  yet been  fully  elucidated  in  this species during  the  sensitive  nursing  phase. Our feeding  trial in tilapia fry will  use  standard  commercial  feed  as  a  control and  two experimental groups replacing commercial  feed with  15%  and  30%  BSFL,  respectively. Beyond  the  key performance indicators of growth performance, feed efficiency, survival, and economics, the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological response to BSFL will also be evaluated.In a transcriptomics approach, RNA sequencing will be performed on liver and intestinal tissue samples to identify differentially expressed genes involved in metabolism, nutrient absorption,and  immune  response.  The  findings  will  provide  crucial  insights  into  the  optimal  inclusion levels of BSFL and its impact on tilapia health, metabolism, and growth, ultimately promoting the development of high-efficiency, sustainable aquafeeds.