Growth Performance of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) Fed on Some Plant Based Organic Wastes

Insect larvae, such as black soldier fly larvae (BSFL: Hermetia illucens) are currently being considered as an alternative source of protein for poultry and aquaculture industry while in the same time apply as agent to manage organic wastes. In order to achieve both roles it is necessary to develop an appropriate farming methodology and understand the impact of different feeding source for the insect production. The study explored the effect of three local plant based organic wastes as feedstocks to growth of the black soldier fly larvae. Separate feeding trials on horse manure (HM), vegetable wastes (VW), and tofu dreg (TD) was done and their effect on BSF larvae growth rate, larvae weight and total prepupal yield in grams content analysed. The efficiency of the BSF larvae to consume and ability to reduce the waste load of the different substrates was also evaluated. The result showed all materials suitable as feeding material for black soldier fly. Difference on physical properties and chemical content affected the development time, harvested biomass, efficiency of digestivity, and efficiency of biomass production which is unique for each type of waste. This study provide base line information for future development of plant based organic waste management.

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Cost-Effectiveness of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as Substitute of Fishmeal in Diets for Layer Chicks and Growers

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13116074 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 6074

Author(s):

Esther Khayanga Sumbule ◽

Mary Kivali Ambula ◽

Isaac Maina Osuga ◽

Janice Ghemoh Changeh ◽

David Miano Mwangi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

Live Weight ◽

Daily Weight Gain ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Alternative Source ◽

Black Soldier Fly ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Black Soldier Fly Larvae ◽

Fly Larvae ◽

The Impact

The acceptance of eco-friendly black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as sustainable alternative protein ingredient in poultry feeds continues to gain momentum worldwide. This study evaluates the impact of BSFLM in layer chick and grower diets on the growth, carcass quality and economic returns. Mean weekly weight gain and total live weight per chick and grower varied significantly. The highest final weight gain was achieved when birds were provided diet with 25.6% BSFLM. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG) and overall weight gain of the chick varied significantly, except for the feed conversion ratio (FCR). For grower birds, ADFI, ADG, FCR and overall weight gain did not vary significantly across the various feeding regimes. The weight of the wings and drumsticks had a quadratic response with a maximum weight obtained at 33% inclusion of BSFLM. The weight of the internal organs were not significantly affected by dietary types. Positive cost–benefit ratio and return on investment was recorded for diet types with higher BSFLM inclusion levels (>75%). Diets with 25% and 100% BSFLM inclusion were the most suitable and cost-effective, respectively. Thus, BSFLM represents a promising alternative source of protein that could be sustainably used in the poultry industries.

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Impact of Heat Treatment on the Microbiological Quality of Frass Originating from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens)

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects13010022 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 22

Author(s):

Noor Van Looveren ◽

Dries Vandeweyer ◽

Leen Van Campenhout

Keyword(s):

Heat Treatment ◽

Detection Limit ◽

Foodborne Pathogens ◽

Microbiological Quality ◽

Black Soldier Fly ◽

Hermetia Illucens ◽

Bacterial Endospores ◽

Black Soldier Fly Larvae ◽

Fly Larvae ◽

The Impact

Since black soldier fly larvae (BSFL, Hermetia illucens) are being produced at substantial volumes, concomitantly large amounts of the resulting by-product, called frass, are generated. This frass can potentially be applied as valuable plant fertilizer or soil improver. Since frass carries high microbial counts, potentially including foodborne pathogens, safety problems for consumers should be prevented. A heat treatment of 70 °C for 60 min is proposed to reduce harmful organisms in insect frass, based on EU regulations ((EU) No. 2021/1925). This study evaluated for the first time the impact of the proposed heat treatment on BSFL frass. This was done by applying the treatment on uninoculated frass as well as on frass inoculated with Salmonella or Clostridium perfringens at 5.0 log cfu/g. The heat treatment resulted in a reduction (maximum one log-cycle) of total viable counts and did not noticeably reduce bacterial endospores. In contrast, Enterobacteriaceae counts were reduced to below the detection limit (10 cfu/g). Heat treatment of inoculated frass resulted in absence of Salmonella in 25 g of frass and reduction of vegetative C. perfringens to below the detection limit (1 cfu/g). The proposed heat treatment appears to be appropriate to meet the microbiological regulations for insect frass.

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