PSXVI-15 Energy Concentration Prediction Models for Black Solider fly Larvae Using Chemical Composition

Abstract

Abstract The objectives were to determine the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) concentrations in black solider fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larvae fed to pigs and to develop prediction equations for energy in BSF larvae. On a dry matter (DM) basis, 4 sources of defatted BSF larva meal contained 4,402 to 5,173 kcal/kg gross energy (GE), 46.5 to 62.0% crude protein (CP), 9.0 to 14.3% ether extract (EE), and 13.7 to 25.3% ash and a source of full-fat BSF larva contained 5,875 kcal/kg GE, 36.5% CP, 38.5% EE, and 16.3% ash. Six barrows with an initial body weight of 73.1 kg (SD = 2.3) were individually housed in metabolism crates. Six diets were assigned to the 6 pigs in a 6 × 7 Latin square design with 7 periods. A basal diet was composed of 97.6% corn as the sole energy source. Five experimental diets were prepared by replacing 25% of corn with BSF larva. Each period consisted of a 4-day adaptation period and a 4-day collection period for feces and urine collection. The DE and ME values in full-fat BSF larva (4,908 and 4,761 kcal/kg DM) were greater (P < 0.05) than those in defatted BSF larva meal (3,791 to 4,269 kcal/kg DM and 3,577 to 3,878 kcal/kg DM). Energy prediction models developed for BSF larva were: GE (kcal/kg DM) = 5,707 + 36.2 × EE – 74.2 × ash (R2 = 0.98); DE (kcal/kg DM) = 4,575 + 29.1 × EE – 47.9 × ash (R2 = 0.99); and ME (kcal/kg DM) = 3,852 + 36.5 × EE – 30.0 × ash (R2 = 0.99) where chemical components are expressed as % DM. Overall, full-fat BSF larva contained greater energy concentrations compared with defatted larva meal and energy concentrations in BSF larva ingredients can be estimated using EE and ash concentrations.