Effect of protein and carbohydrate feed concentrations on the growth and composition of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae

Abstract

Black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) can be used for a wide range of applications, from screening their anti-microbial properties, entomophagy through to waste management. Although the use of black soldier flies for these purposes has been widely studied, mass-rearing black soldier flies is still in the preliminary phase. This study focussed on the nutritional composition of black soldier fly larvae over the course of their life history, and the impact of manipulating dietary protein and carbohydrate on the growth and composition (protein and fat) of the larvae. Larvae were collected every 24h over the course of this life-stage to test for differences in composition. To test the effect of dietary protein and carbohydrate differences, larvae were fed 25 diets with varying concentrations of protein and carbohydrates. Overall, the composition of larvae changed very little over their life history, with the higher concentration of protein mostly observed in the earlier instars of the larvae. The pre-pupal stage reduced the fresh and dry weight of the larvae, whereas the ash concentration was very stable throughout their life history. Both dietary protein and dietary carbohydrate had a significant effect on the fresh and dry weight of the larvae, but dietary protein was a stronger indicator of larval fresh and dry weight than dietary carbohydrate. Larval composition was also influenced by the feedtype, with heavier larvae producing significantly more fat than the lighter ones.

Crecimiento de larvas de mosca soldado alimentadas con gallinaza, porcinaza y alimento para ponedoras

“…En un estudio reciente se evaluó el efecto de la relación proteína/carbohidratos en la dieta de larvas de mosca soldado, llegando a la conclusión que tanto la proteína como los carbohidratos dietéticos tuvieron un efecto significativo sobre el peso fresco y seco de las larvas, pero la proteína dietética fue un indicador más fuerte del peso fresco y seco de las larvas que el carbohidrato dietético. La composición larval también fue influenciada por el tipo de alimento, con larvas más pesadas que producen significativamente más grasa que las más ligeras (17). En otra investigación se evaluaron nueve dietas con diferentes relaciones proteína/ carbohidrato (P/C), donde se encontró que la proteína, más que la relación P/C tiene influencia en el desarrollo, rendimiento larval, la grasa cruda larval y el rendimiento del huevo (18).…”

Killing process on the nutrient content, product stability and in vitro digestibility of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meals

“…The occurrence of free radicals and tissue damage led to lipid oxidation from the reaction between lipids and enzymes [36,37]. Medium-chain saturated fatty acids, called lauric acids, were a major component of the fatty acid pro les of BSF, which have a low ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with vegetable oils [4,5]. However, saturated fatty acids were the main component of BSF.…”

“…However, saturated fatty acids were the main component of BSF. The high proportion of lipid was observed in BSF depending on their diets [4,5]. Therefore, the characteristics of BSF carry the risk of presenting lipid oxidation.…”

“…Consistent quality and safety are the most important considerations for black soldier y farming and processing units. As we know, the diet is the most in uential factor on the quality of black soldier y pupae meal (BSF) [5]. However, the killing method is also a highly in uential factor on BSF quality [1,[6][7][8].…”

Impacts of Killing Process on the Nutrient Content, Product Stability and In Vitro Digestibility of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meals

“…Consistent quality and safety are the most important considerations for black soldier fly farming and processing units. As we know, the diet is the most influential factor on the quality of black soldier fly (BSF) pupae meal [6]. However, the killing method is also a highly influential factor on BSF quality [1,[7][8][9].…”