In the presence of Dr. Asmaa Kambash, a member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, the College of Agriculture hosted the defense of a doctoral dissertation on the impact of replacing protein concentrate and soybean meal in fish feed with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larval powder on certain productive and physiological traits of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala, in the presence of Dr. Asmaa Kambash, a member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, hosted the public defense of a doctoral dissertation chaired by the Dean of the College, Professor Dr. Raed Ibrahim Khalil. The dissertation, titled “The Effect of Replacing Protein Concentrate and Soybean Meal with Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) Larval Powder in Fish Feed on Certain Productive and Physiological Traits of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)”, was presented by the researcher Ahmed Ibrahim Ismail.

Study Objectives

The study aimed to assess the feasibility of substituting Hermetia illucens L. larval powder for protein concentrate and soybean meal in the diets of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), evaluating its effects on growth performance indicators, hematological parameters, muscle chemical composition, and hepatic histological changes.

Key Findings

The study yielded several important conclusions, including:

• Insect farming, particularly the cultivation of black soldier fly larvae, represents a promising biotechnological approach for recycling organic waste into protein.
• Replacing animal protein concentrate and soybean meal with black soldier fly larval powder in common carp diets had positive effects on growth indicators, feed conversion efficiency, and feed intake, while also enhancing feed palatability.
• The substitution of black soldier fly larval powder as an alternative protein source at levels not exceeding 75% was viable without adverse effects.
• The inclusion of black soldier fly larval powder in common carp diets contributed to improved immune function and overall fish health.

Recommendations

The study recommends:

• Conducting further research on the cultivation of black soldier fly larvae for the conversion of organic waste into a high-quality protein source for use in animal feed production.
• Investigating the potential application of black soldier fly larval powder in the diets of other fish species.
• Studying the impact of black soldier fly larval powder supplementation on the gut microbiota of fish and its role in promoting beneficial bacteria.
• Exploring different processing and cultivation methods for black soldier fly larvae to enhance larval quality and optimize their nutritional content.