Proximate and fatty acid analysis of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens)

Abstract

High food demand in the world is not easy to accomplish as the number of world population keeps expanding; meanwhile the number accessible lands for food production keeps decreasing and livestock activities continues to contribute environment pollution. Moreover, the level of food waste currently is relatively high and is expected to increase over time. The use of BSF (black soldier fly) as an alternative nutrient source, is expected to be one of the solutions to minimalize the negative impact on the environment from animal husbandry activities in general, while also contributing to the decomposition of food waste. In this study, the proximate content and fatty acid profile of BSF larvae will be determined, to acknowledge the nutritional content of BSF larvae. The BSF larvae observed in this study was fed and reared by using fruits and vegetables waste for three weeks. The water content, ash content, and fat content in proximate analysis of BSF larvae will be determined using gravimetric method, whereas protein content and carbohydrate content in proximate analysis of BSF larvae will be determined by using titrimetric method and by difference method respectively. The fatty acids profile analysis of BSF larvae will be determined by using gas chromatography method. Based on the result, BSF larvae has protein content, fat content, and mineral content of 31.70 ± 0.43%, 35.90 ± 0.26%, and 18.06 ± 0.08% respectively. BSF larvae has four types of essential fatty acids and 18 non-essential fatty acids. High protein content and fat content of BSF larvae promotes the incorporation of BSF larvae in feed and food processing and production.