Inclusion of cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) meal in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) feed influences disease resistance

Abstract

In our present study, we observed the effect of cricket meal (CM) on disease resistance of African catfish. Fish were fed diets containing 350 g kg–1 and 400 g kg–1 of CM and 350 g kg–1 of fishmeal as control. The fish were divided into triplicates treatments of ten fish per replicate, weighed 22.5±0.6 g and fed with experimental diets for 40 days before being challenged against Aeromonas hydrophila. Relative percentage of survival (RPS) was recorded over 12 days post-challenge. White blood cell count, total protein, globulin and lysozyme showed significantly increasing levels in those fed with cricket meal diet compared to the control group. Mortalities at 12-day post-challenge significantly decreased to 30% (RPS: 66.7%) and 27% (RPS: 70%) for 35% and 40% CM respectively compared to 90% mortality in control group. Intestines and liver tissues of infected fish were dissected for pathogenic confirmation. The intestines of control diet showed the highest bacterial load (58.2×107 cfu g–1) compared to CM diets. The current study indicates that dietary CM could enhance the innate immune system and disease resistance of African catfish.

Nile tilapia fed insect meal: Growth and innate immune response in different times under lipopolysaccharide challenge

“…Hence, the increase in WBC count in fish fed SWM diets support the fact that SWM contains immunological properties for juvenile Nile tilapia. This finding is consistent with other works that found an increase in WBC count in African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) when fed cricket meal ( Gryllus bimaculatus ) and fruit fly pupae ( Drosophila melanogaster ) (Okore et al., 2018; Taufek et al., 2018).…”

“…Lysozyme is a widely expressed enzyme and an important index of the innate immunity of fish. Several studies indicate the supplementation of chitin and its derivatives could elevate lysozyme activity in fish (Chen & Chen, 2019; Shanthi Mari et al., 2014; Taufek et al., 2018). In fish, lysozyme is expressed in the hematopoietic organs such as spleen, liver, kidney, gills and mucosal tissues (Kim & Nam, 2015; Saurabh & Sahoo, 2008).…”

Edible Crickets (Orthoptera) Around the World: Distribution, Nutritional Value, and Other Benefits—A Review

“…Livestock feeds formulated by incorporating crickets are cheaper compared to the cost of commercial feeds, which currently account for 70% of the cost of livestock production (147). The most promising crickets for production of livestock feed are A. domesticus, G. veletis, G. bimaculatus, G. sigillatus, T. mitratus, G. mitratus, T. emma, B. portentosus, and G. assimilis (50,146,(148)(149)(150)(151)(152). Recent studies have shown that cricket meal can partially replace broiler mash, especially the protein part.…”

“…Another report has demonstrated that African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) diet containing 100, 75, 50, 25, and 0% fish meal can be successfully changed to contain 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% G. bimaculatus crickets, respectively (151). Furthermore, growth performance and body composition could be improved when African catfish were provided with a diet containing 50-100% crickets (151,152).…”

Edible crickets, but which species?

“…• Fish: A. domesticus (Irungu et al, 2018;Lee et al, 2017), Gryllus assimilis (Alfaro et al, 2019), and Gryllus bimaculatus (Norhidayah, 2016;Taufek et al, 2018).…”