Abstract Full Text:PDF Recommended articles Mail to Author How to Cite

¹ Sinop University, Fisheries and Aquaculture Faculty, Aquaculture Department, Sinop/TURKIYE
² Sinop University, Graduate Education Institute, Aquaculture Department Sinop/TURKIYE DOI : 10.4194/AQUAST3320 Viewed : 463 - Downloaded : 366 This study investigated the replacement of fishmeal (FM) with Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae meal at 0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% levels in juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets over 12 weeks, focusing on fillet quality, amino acid composition, and lipid nutritional indices. Amino acid analysis showed slight reductions in essential amino acids, particularly lysine and methionine, at higher replacement levels. Total sulfur amino acids decreased from 2.75 to 1.71 g/100 g, while aromatic amino acids remained stable. Sweet amino acid ratios increased and bitter amino acid ratios decreased with TM inclusion. Umami amino acids rose up to TM75 but declined at TM100. The protein efficiency ratio dropped from 22.24 to 17.28; however, amino acid and chemical scores remained consistent with FAO/WHO requirements. TM75 provided a well-balanced amino acid profile suitable for protein synthesis. Fatty acid analysis indicated reduced total SFA and increased MUFA and n-6 PUFA. Although n-3 PUFA and EPA+DHA levels decreased, the lipid nutritional quality improved, as indicated by lower atherogenicity (IA) and thrombogenicity (IT) indices and a higher hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (h/H) ratio. Overall, replacing up to 75% of FM with TM larvae meal maintained nutritional balance and enhanced sustainability in aquafeed formulation. Keywords : Mealworm Insect meal Recirculating aquaculture system Sustainable aquafeed