The defatted black soldier fly meal (Hermetia illucens) improved the pathogen resistance and gut health of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

As a novel protein source, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) possesses the potential to enhance fish health due to its high protein content, essential amino acids, and bioactive compounds, but the mechanisms by which defatted black soldier fly meal affects fish health remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of partially replacing soybean meal (SM) with defatted black soldier fly larvae meal on the pathogen resistance of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) meal was used to replace 0 % (CON), 15 % (H15), 30 % (H30), 45 % (H45), and 60 % (H60) of soybean meal in the diets, which were fed to Nile tilapia for 8 weeks.