Impact of defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal on health, muscle texture, and intestinal microbiota in Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

Abstract

Defatted black soldier fly larvae meal is a highly promising substitute for fishmeal, with its impact on gut health and muscle quality in Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) being crucial for its further development and utilization. This study conducted an 8-week feeding trial to evaluate the effects of replacing fishmeal with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (DBSFLM) on the growth, muscle texture, and gut health of P. vannamei. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated, with DBSFLM added at levels of 0 %, 4.12 %, 8.24 %, 12.36 %, 16.48 %, and 20.61 % to replace different proportions of fishmeal. The results showed that adding up to 20.61 % DBSFLM to replace 75 % of fishmeal did not significantly affect shrimp growth performance. The optimal inclusion level of DBSFLM is 4.12 % to 8.24 %, which not only reduces intestinal inflammation and enhances gut microbiota interactions but also improves muscle texture and flavor, while boosting immunity and antioxidant capacity. However, adding more than 16.48 % DBSFLM leads to intestinal inflammation and hepatocellular damage, and negatively affects muscle texture and amino acid composition. Overall, while adding up to 20.61 % DBSFLM (to replace 75 % of fishmeal) does not affect shrimp growth, an inclusion level of no more than 12.36 % (to replace 45 % of fishmeal) is recommended for optimal flavor and health.