The Effect of a Feed Combination of Tofu Dregs and Cabbage on the Growth and Protein Content of Maggot (Hermetia illucens)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of a feed combination of tofu dregs and cabbage on the growth and protein content of Hermetia illucens maggots. The experiment was conducted for 14 days using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and three replications: P1 (100% tofu dregs), P2 (75% tofu dregs : 25% cabbage), P3 (50% tofu dregs : 50% cabbage), P4 (25% tofu dregs : 75% cabbage), and P5 (100% cabbage). Observed parameters included weight gain, body length, body thickness, feed consumption, specific growth rate (SGR), waste reduction index (WRI), crude protein content, and moisture content. The results showed that P3 produced the highest weight gain (0.04 g) and body thickness (2.76 mm). The longest body length was observed in P4 (12.2 mm). The highest feed consumption occurred in P3 and P4 (94%), followed by P5 (92%), P1 (91%), and P2 (90%). The highest SGR was found in P3 (7.85%), and the lowest in P2 (5.79%). P3 and P4 also had the highest WRI values (6.71%). The highest crude protein content was found in P1 (26.91%), while P5 showed the lowest protein (16.44%) and highest moisture (64.94%). ANOVA results showed no significant differences among treatments (P > 0.05), but descriptively, P3 performed best in supporting maggot growth and nutritional quality.