Sustainable production of housefly (Musca domestica) larvae as a protein-rich feed ingredient by utilizing cattle manure

Abstract

The common housefly, Musca domestica, is a considerable component of nutrient recycling in the environment. Use of housefly larvae to biodegrade manure presents an opportunity to reduce waste disposal while the rapidly assimilated insect biomass can also be used as a protein rich animal feed. In this study, we examine the biodegradation of dairy cattle manure using housefly larvae, and the nutritional value of the resulting larva meal as a feed ingredient. Our results demonstrated that dairy cattle manure presents a balanced substrate for larval growth, and the spent manure showed reductions in concentration of total nitrogen (24.9%) and phosphorus (6.2%) with an overall reduction in mass. Larva yield at an optimum density was approximately 2% of manure weight. Nutritional analysis of M. domestica larva meal showed values comparable to most high protein feed ingredients. Larva meal was 60% protein with a well-balanced amino acid profile, and 20% fat with 57% monounsaturated fatty acids, and 39% saturated fatty acids. Larva meal lacked any significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Evaluation of micronutrients in larva meal suggested that it is a good source of calcium and phosphorus (0.5% and 1.1% respectively). The nutritional value of larva meal closely matches that of fishmeal, making it a potentially attractive alternative for use as a protein-rich feed ingredient for livestock and aquaculture operations.

Insect meals in fish nutrition

“…In addition, Hussein et al . () and Hall et al . () reported Lys values that were higher in insect meal than those found in FM.…”

Housefly (Musca domestica) Larvae Preparations after Removing the Hydrophobic Fraction Are Effective Alternatives to Fish Meal in Aquaculture Feed for Red Seabream (Pagrus major)

“…The housefly (Musca domestica) can yield animal protein in the biodegradation of organic waste [4], such as pig manure [5][6][7][8][9][10], cattle manure [11], poultry litter [12], and food waste [13]. The larvae obtained from these systems are alternative feed ingredients that are rich in nutrients from within the human food chain without the need to harvest part of the wild marine ecosystem.…”

Capacity of black soldier fly and house fly larvae in treating the wasted rice in Malaysia.

“…Nevertheless, due to the concern of pest status, house fly seldom used as the food waste management agent and most of the HFL organic waste studies were focused on the animal manure [5,13] to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first one reporting the use of rice waste as the growth substrate for HFL. The reduction and survival rate of HFL are showed in Table 1 in which HFL demonstrate relatively inconsistent reduction as the reduction rate for curry and coconut milk rice waste are significantly lower than the WR and FR (p<0.05, Table 1).…”