Effects of different pretreatments on the physiochemical properties of pig manure and its potential in promoting the growth and nutrient accumulation of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)

Abstract

An economic and feasible way to use black soldier fly larvae consists of treating livestock manure to convert it into high value-added protein feed. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of different pretreatments on the physiochemical properties of pig manure and the its potential in promoting the growth and nutrient accumulation of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). Fresh pig manure was pretreated by aerobic fermentation (AE), anaerobic fermentation (AN) and high temperature anaerobic fermentation (HAN) for 2 or 5 days, and then inoculated with BSFL. Results indicate that EC value, DOC, DON, TN, NH₄⁺-N and protein content were the highest in HAN pretreated manure. The individual body weight and protein content of BSFL fed with HAN pretreated manure increased by 20% and 30%, respectively, compared with those fed with AE pretreated manure. In terms of performance, BSFL fed with HAN pretreated manure showed the highest waste reduction, bioconversion rate, waste conversion efficiency and protein conversion efficiency. The conclusion of the present study may be helpful for further research on the conversion of organic waste by BSFL.