Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal Research Articles

Effects of Different Defatting Methods of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal on the Metabolic Energy and Nutrient Digestibility in Young Laying Hens.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different defatting methods of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFM) on the metabolic energy and nutrient digestibility in laying hens. Sixty young laying hens (Hy-Line W-36) aged 63 days were randomly divided into two groups (G1 and G2), each with five replicates of six hens housed in individual cages. Group G1 was fed 25% pressed black soldier fly meal (BSFMp) and 75% basal diet, and Group G2 was fed 25% extracted black soldier fly meal (BSFMe) and a 75% basal diet. Both diets included 5 g/kg chromium oxide as an external marker. A 7-day preliminary trial was followed by a 4-day experimental period. The results indicate that pressing and extracting significantly affected the digestibility of crude fat and total energy in BSFM, with BSFMp showing significantly higher crude fat digestibility than BSFMe. Similarly, total energy digestibility was also significantly higher in BSFMp. However, there were no significant differences in dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestibility between the two processing methods. The apparent metabolic energy values of BSFMp and BSFMe were 16.34 and 12.41 MJ/kg, respectively, showing a significant difference. The nitrogen-corrected metabolic energy values were 15.89 MJ/kg in BSFMp and 11.93 MJ/kg in BSFMe, indicating a highly significant difference. The digestibility of arginine and leucine in BSFMp was significantly higher than in BSFMe, while differences in lysine, cystine, threonine, tryptophan, and isoleucine were not significant. In conclusion, both defatting methods of BSFM had no adverse effects on the metabolic energy and nutrient digestibility in young laying hens, but BSFMp demonstrated better effects on the digestibility of metabolic energy and nutrients in the feed for young laying hens.

Metabolizable Energy Value of Fat and Meals Obtained from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) for Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) of defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSM), full-fat dry larvae meal (BSL), and larvae fat (LF) for broiler chickens. The BSM, BSL, and LF contained on a g/kg basis, respectively, crude protein, 459, 399, 0; crude fat, 171, 240, 923; dry matter, 963, 940, 997; neutral detergent fiber, 210, 333, 0; acid detergent fibers, 95, 93, 0; and gross energy (MJ/kg), 22.04, 22.78, 38.16. An AME bioassay was performed wherein broilers were fed four experimental diets (a maize–wheat–soy basal diet and three test diets containing 100 g/kg BSM, BSL, or LF, respectively). The AME of BSM, BSL, and LF was calculated based on the differences between the AME values of basal and test diets (substitution method). The AME and AMEn for BSM, BSL, and LF were determined to be 18.20 and 17.40; 17.60 and 16.50; and 36.50 and 35.60 MJ/kg DM, respectively. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between nutrient retention coefficients of dry matter, N, and fat. The results showed that the examined products from black soldier fly larvae are a good source of available energy and crude protein (BSL and BSM) and can be incorporated in broiler diets as alternative protein and energy sources.

Performance, egg quality and organ traits of laying hens fed black soldier fly larvae products

Due to consumer demands and institutional pressure, the egg production sector, is looking for alternative protein sources for laying hen feed to support more sustainable, circular production. black soldier fly (BSF) larvae could be used as a protein source. In addition to protein the larvae contain large quantities of fat and can either be fed to laying hens unprocessed (alive) or processed (meal and oil). The current study was performed with 560 Brown Nick laying hens from 20 to 27 wk of age. The laying hens were divided over 5 treatments, each replicated 8 times. Treatments consisted of standard laying hen feed (control) and standard feed in which soybean meal was partly exchanged with live BSF larvae or BSF larvae meal and oil combined, at 2 inclusion levels. During the experiment production parameters, egg-quality, and length and weight of various organs were measured. Laying hens fed BSF larvae products consumed less feed compared to those of the control group. Most egg production parameters were similar, however laying hens fed diets with BSF larvae meal plus oil produced eggs with lower egg weight during the last 2 wk of the experiment, compared to the control group. All egg-quality characteristics remained the same across treatments, except for darker yolk colors when feeding BSF meal and oil and high inclusion of live BSF larvae. This is a favorable characteristic for European consumers. The weight of intestinal organs was largely unaffected by the treatments. The jejunum and ileum weight of laying hens fed live larvae was lower compared to the control group. As FCRs were similar or improved compared to the control group, we assume that nutrient utilization was not impaired. For most detected differences the type of BSF larvae product (live larvae or meal plus oil) rather than inclusion level was of significance.

Effects of dietary defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal substituting fish meal on growth, antioxidative capacity, immunity, intestinal histology and microbiota of juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

This study evaluated the effects of replacing dietary fish meal (FM) with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (DBSFLM) on growth, non-specific immunity, antioxidative capacity, intestinal histology and microbiota of juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). A control diet was designed to contain 200 g/kg FM (Con), then 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, and 100 % of dietary FM was replaced by DBSFLM, referring to DBSFLM25, DBSFLM50, DBSFLM75 and DBSFLM100, respectively. The five isoproteic and isolipidic diets were fed to crab (7.15 ± 0.10 g) for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the final weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival of DBSFLM25 and DBSFLM50 groups all reached the same level as Con (P > 0.05). The proper DBSFLM replacement on WG and FCR from broken line model were 49.70 % and 52.90 %, respectively. For immune enzyme activity, ACP, ALP, and LZM activities showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, the DBSFLM50 group had the highest activity, and the DBSFLM100 group was significantly lower than the DBSFLM50 group (P < 0.05). In terms of antioxidant capacity, the T-AOC, T-SOD, GSH-Px activities and MDA content of DBSFLM25 DBSFLM50 and DBSFLM75 groups all shows no significant difference with Con (P > 0.05), the DBSFLM100 group has the lowest antioxidant enzyme activities and highest MDA content. The intestinal number of folds and folds height in DBSFLM25 and DBSFLM50 groups reached the same level as Con (P > 0.05). The abundance of intestinal harmful bacteria Vibrio was enhanced with the increase of dietary DBSFLM level (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the recommended level of replacing FM with DBSFLM was at 50 % (100 g/kg) without negative effect on growth, non-specific immunity, antioxidative capacity, intestinal histology and microbiota of Chinese mitten crab.

Partial replacement of soybean with alternative protein sources: Effects on meat quality, sensory attributes, and fatty acids and amino acids content of breast meat of a local chicken strain.

The environmental sustainability of soybean cultivation has been questioned as it has been linked to deforestation, eutrophication, pesticide use, and carbon dioxide footprint. Agri-industrial byproducts and black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal are promising alternative protein sources that can be used to partly replace soybean in broiler diets. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of partial replacement of soybeans with agro-industrial by-products with or without the addition of BSF dried larvae meal on the meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid content, and sensory traits of breast meat of local chickens. A total of 252 one-day-old mixed-sex chicks from the Anadolu-T pure dam line were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 diets; a soybean-based Control diet, a diet in which soybean meal was partly replaced (SPR) with brewers' dried grain, sunflower seed meal, and wheat middlings and an SPR + BSF diet in which 5% of BSF dried larva meal was added to the SPR diet. All birds were slaughtered at a commercial slaughterhouse at 55 days and breast and drumstick muscles were sampled for meat quality analysis from 18 chickens/dietary treatments. No significant effects of diets were observed for the pH24 and lightness, redness, and yellowness of breast and leg meats. Thawing loss significantly decreased and cooking loss increased in the breast meat of chickens fed the SPR + BSF compared with those fed Control and SPR diets. Diets did not affect either texture profile or consumer sensory properties of breast meat. The chickens fed the SPR + BSF had the highest total saturated fatty acid and lower polyunsaturated fatty acid content in breast meat than those fed the Control and SPR diets. The essential and nonessential amino acid content of breast meat decreased by the SPR diet compared with the SPR + BSF diet. The chickens fed SPR + BSF diet had higher values of tasty, aromatic, and umami-related amino acids than those fed SPR and Control diets. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that agri-industrial byproducts with or without BSF larvae meal could be used to partially replace soybean meal in broiler diets without affecting technological meat quality traits. The addition of BSF larvae meal to the diet along with agri-industrial by-products improved the amino acid content of the breast meat of chickens but reduced polyunsaturated fatty acid levels.

Effect of Larval Feed on the Nutritional Quality of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as an Alternative Feed for Shrimp

Effect of Larval Feed on the Nutritional Quality of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as an Alternative Feed for Shrimp

Increasing levels of fishmeal replacement by defatted black soldier fly larvae meal reduced growth performance without affecting fillet quality in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing dietary fishmeal (FM) with defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL) on the growth performance and fillet quality of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The largemouth bass was divided into six groups (BSFL0, BSFL15, BSFL30, BSFL45, BSFL75, and BSFL100) and fed six isonitrogenous(CP 50%, 508 g/kg) and isolipid (CL 9%, 124 g/kg) diets, in which 0, 15%, 30%, 45%, 75%, and 100% of the fishmeal was replaced with BSFL, respectively. The results showed that the final body weight (FBW) and specific growth rate (SGR) of the largemouth bass decreased with increasing BSFL content, and they were significantly lower in BSFL75 than in BSFL0. The weight gain rate (WGR) decreased with increasing BSFL content and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of largemouth bass increased with increasing BSFL content. The saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contents of the largemouth bass fillet significantly decreased, and the n-6 PUFA content of the largemouth bass fillets significantly increased with increasing dietary BSFL. The fillet b* significantly decreased with increasing BSFL content. The biological parameters, fillet proximate nutrient composition, fillet amino acid composition, skin color, and fillet texture of the largemouth bass were not affected by the replacement of BSFL. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that BSFL replacement of FM affects the immune system and metabolic processes of largemouth bass through signaling pathways such as complement and coagulation cascades, the PPAR signaling pathway, cholesterol metabolism, and fat digestion and absorption. In conclusion, a replacement level lower than 45% BSFL was suggested for the overall growth and fillet quality of largemouth bass.

Multi-Elemental Analysis of Edible Insects, Scorpions, and Tarantulas from French (Online) Market and Human Health Risk Assessment Due to Their Consumption: A Pilot Study.

Edible insects are becoming increasingly popular as protein alternatives to traditional animal-based products. As such, information on their elemental composition is important to ensure they are safe for human consumption. This article describes the development and validation of a rapid, reliable method for the simultaneous determination of 19 elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) in edible insects by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following closed vessel microwave digestion. The method was validated using three insect certified reference materials, namely black soldier fly larvae meal (BFLY-1), cricket flour (KRIK-1), and mealworm powder (VORM-1). The method was applied to analyze twelve different (whole) insect species. The maximum amount of each sample was calculated for As, Cd, and Pb with respect to their provisional tolerable daily intake values established by the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization. Most of the samples, except for scorpions and tarantulas, were safe to consume at large doses (1000-10,000 insects per day). Furthermore, most of the samples contained high levels of Fe, K, Na, and Zn, providing a preliminary overview of the nutritional profile of these novel protein alternatives.

Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae and protease supplementation of Lohmann Brown-lite laying hens performance and egg quality

Abstract Feed costs represent up to 60-70% of the total cost of poultry production, with protein sources being the most expensive feed component. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) shows promise as a sustainable protein source for use in animal diets. This research was conducted to determine the effects of including up to 13% defatted BSFLM and a supplementary protease-based enzyme (Concentrase-P; CBS Bio Platforms, Inc., Calgary AB, Canada) on laying hen performance and egg quality. To test this objective, 180 Lohmann Brown-Lite hens (52 weeks of age) were fed experimental diets containing 0%, 6.5%, or 13% BSFLM, with or without Concentrase-P (3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments). The treatments were fed over 20 weeks. Results indicated reduced feed intake and body weight in laying hens fed a 13% dietary inclusion level of BSFLM (), while other performance traits (egg production and FCR) were similar among treatments () and met industry performance standards. Shell weight and egg breaking strength did not significantly change with the dietary inclusion level of BSFLM or enzyme inclusion (), although a significant decrease in egg weight and albumen height was noted (), as well as a significant decrease in albumen height for the Concentrase-P treatments (). Yolk colours were significantly lighter and redder in birds fed diets containing high levels of BSFLM (). Results support the use of BSFLM at dietary inclusion levels up to 13% in laying hen diets. Concentrase-P does not appear to be required in combination with BSFLM in terms of growth and laying performance, although potential benefits to other physiological factors are worth consideration.

Complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal in feeding program for broiler chickens from placement through to 49 days of age: impact on gastrointestinal, breast, skeletal, plasma, and litter attributes

We previously reported that high levels (≥50%) of black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) reduced growth and altered organs morphology in broiler chickens. We further examined gastrointestinal, breast, bone, plasma, and litter attributes in broiler chickens fed partial to complete replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with BSFLM. A total of 1,152 d-old Ross × Ross 708 male chicks (n=8) were allocated to 48 pens and assigned one of six diets: a basal corn-SBM diet (0BSFLM), four diets in which SBM in 0BSFLM was replaced with BSFLM at 12.5, 25, 50, and 100% (12.5BSFLM, 25BSFLM, 50BSFLM, 100BSFLM) and a final diet (0+AGP) in which 0BSFLM was fed with coccidiostat and antibiotic. Birds were bled for plasma and necropsied for samples. Litter samples were collected on d 45 to 47. Breast weight, woody breast, and hardness scores and tibia morphometry reduced linearly in response to BSFLM inclusion (P&lt;0.001). BSFLM linearly increased plasma Lys, Met, Thr, uric acid, creatine kinase and decreased Arg and potassium (P&lt;0.05). Litter ammonium nitrogen and potassium decreased linearly in response to BSFLM (P&lt;0.001). In conclusion, the data suggested physiological and metabolic inefficiencies in broiler chickens fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets with ≥50% BSFLM replacement of SBM.

Does the processing of black soldier fly larvae meal affect the amino acid solubility in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)?

Abstract The present work aimed to evaluate protein and amino acid (AA) digestibility/solubility of different black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) based meals for Atlantic salmon in vivo and in vitro. Three types of insect meals that had been through different processing techniques were included: microwave full fat BSFL meal (BSFM), defatted BSFL meal with an enzymatic pre-treatment (BSFE) and a defatted BSFL meal without enzymatic pre-treatment (BSFH). For the in vivo digestibility studies only two ingredients (BSFE and BSFH) were used. The experimental diets for the different ingredients were prepared by mixing a control diet with BSFL meals at an 80:20 ratio. The in vitro method implied a two-stage hydrolysis involving both gastric simulation (acid hydrolysis) and gastrointestinal simulation (acid hydrolysis followed by alkaline hydrolysis), using enzymes extracted from salmon. The results showed that the AA solubility was higher in the gastrointestinal phases than the gastric phase alone, showing the importance of having both phases in vitro solubility for an effective protein breakdown. The AA solubility of different insect-based meals showed that neither partial defatting nor the addition of enzymatic treatment impacted the protein and AA solubility. The in vivo trial (56 days) recorded no differences between fish fed diets containing BSFE and BSFH for growth or body indices. The protein and AA apparent digestibility were similar for both BSFE and BSFH ingredients. Thus, in the current study no differences in nutrient digestibility were observed due to different processing methods employed to BSFL meal both in vivo and in vitro.

Co-incorporation of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae and Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaves in the Diet Increase African Catfish Profitability (Clarias gariepinus)

Aquaculture is a fast-growing activity in Cameroon and required substantial quantities of affordable protein-rich feed. In this study, we co-incorporated Moringa leaves (MOL) and black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) in catfish diet, and the effect was evaluated on feed floatation, fish growth, flesh organoleptic qualities and profitability. 450 juvenile`s catfish weighing averagely 10 g, were subjected to five dietary treatments consisting of: T0 (0% BSFLM and 0% MOL); T1 (6.25% BSFLM and 5% MOL); T2 (12.5% BSFLM and 10% MOL); T3 (18.75% BSFLM and 15% MOL) and T4 (25% BSFLM and 20% MOL) for 119 days. The treatment T3 containing 18.75% BSFLM and 15% MOL recorded the highest floatation duration, fish weight (113.83±17.31 g) and weight gain (103.25±17.8 g), and the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.60±0.37). The flesh tasted good and was acceptable in all treatments. Incorporating BSFLM and MOL in the diets reduced the cost per kg of feed from 18 to 23%, thus increasing the system's profitability from 45.91 to 60.84%. We concluded that BSFLM and MOL can partially substitute fish meal in catfish diet and improve the profitability and offers insights into the development more profitable and sustainable aquaculture in Cameroon and globally.

The Effects of Slaughter Methods and Drying Temperatures on the Protein Hydrolysis of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal.

In recent years, the potential of insects as a sustainable protein alternative to feed the growing world population has been explored. Differences in the ways insects are processed can affect their proximate composition and digestibility. This work studied the effects of the combination of different types of slaughter methods and drying temperatures on the proximate composition, organic matter digestibility (OMd), hydrolysis degree (DH/NH2 and DH/100 g DM), total hydrolysis (TH), and hygienic and sanitary characteristics of BSFL (black soldier fly larvae) meal. Four types of slaughter methods were used including freezing (F), blanching + freezing (B), Melacide® + freezing (M), and liquid nitrogen slaughter (N). Each of these was used with three drying temperatures (50, 70, and 90 °C). A negative correlation between the acid detergent fiber (ADF) and protein digestibility parameters was obtained. The most suitable drying temperature was 70 °C, as it produced higher values of protein digestibility (DH and TH), resulting in hygienic and sanitary conditions suitable for food use. Slaughtering with liquid nitrogen and blanching was more conducive to achieving high protein digestibility results than traditional freezing or the use of Melacide®.

Effects of Defatted and Hydrolyzed Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as an Alternative Fish Meal in Weaning Pigs.

In Experiment 1, a total of eighteen crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) barrows with an initial body weight of 6.74 ± 0.68 kg were randomly divided into three dietary treatments (one pig per cage and six replicates per treatment) and housed in metabolic cages that were equipped with a feeder and slatted floor to collect urine and feces. In Experiment 2, a total of 96 crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) barrows with an initial body weight of 8.25 ± 0.42 kg were used in the 6-week trial. The pigs were randomly divided into three dietary treatments (three pigs per pen and eight replicates per treatment). In Experiment 1, nutrient composition of defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BLM) was superior to that of hydrolyzed BLM but lower than that of fish meal (FM). Also, defatted BLM and FM had better apparent total track digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) and better nitrogen retention (p < 0.05) than hydrolyzed BLM, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between defatted BLM and FM. In Experiment 2, defatted BLM improved (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed cost per kg gain (FCG) compared with FM. Defatted BLM could replace soybean meal and fish meal as an alternative protein source for weaning pigs.

Substitution potential of black soldier fly larvae meal (Hermetia illucens) for meat bone meal in IPB-D1 chicken diets

Substitution potential of black soldier fly larvae meal (Hermetia illucens) for meat bone meal in IPB-D1 chicken diets

Dried crickets (Gryllus sigillatus) or black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal for broiler chickens: nutrient composition and digestibility

Abstract This study explores the potential of cricket meal and black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as alternative protein sources in broiler chicken diets. With the use of the substitution method, using diatomaceous earth as an external marker, we investigated the nutrient availability and apparent metabilizeable energy content of oven-dried full-fat cricket meal (OD-CM), freeze-dried full-fat cricket meal (FD-CM), and defatted BSFLM in a feeding trial involving 320 Ross 308 broilers housed in 32 pens (8 replicates / treatment; 8 birds / pen). Feed intake, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were measured between days 15 and 21. Excreta collected on days 19, 20, and 21 were analyzed for nutrient content. Both cricket treatments were high in crude protein. Additionally, FD-CM demonstrated the highest fat content, surpassing OD-CM. OD-CM displayed a significantly higher apparent digestibility coefficient for crude protein compared to BSFLM (). FD-CM had the highest apparent digestibility coefficient for gross energy (). The nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy of OD-CM and FD-CM were significantly higher than that of BSFLM (). Furthermore, OD-CM exhibited a significantly higher available crude protein content compared to BSFLM and FD-CM (). This research sheds light on the potential of OD-CM and FD-CM as valuable alternative protein sources for broiler chickens, providing critical insights for the poultry industry’s sustainable future. This research is important as the apparent digestibility coefficients, as well as available nutrients calculated for the three ingredients may be used to accurately formulate poultry diets on an available nutrient basis.

The effect of fishmeal replacement with organic acid fermented black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal on growth, nutrient utilization, metabolic enzyme activity, antioxidant status and immunity in Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal is emerging as an alternative protein source and good substitute of fishmeal (FM). In an 8-week feeding trial, three hundred pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus,7.44 ± 0.01 g) fingerlings were randomly allocated over five treatments in triplicate tanks and fed five isoprotein (CP, 35%) and isolipidic (CL, 10%) diets formulated by replacing 0% (FBSFL0), 25% (FBSFL25), 50% (FBSFL50), 75% (FBSFL75) and 100% (FBSFL100) FM with organic acid (formic acid) fermented black soldier fly larvae meal (FBSFL). The inclusion of FBSFL did not affect growth, feed conversion ratio, nutrients utilization and survival rate of pangasius even when FM was completely replaced. The pangasius body protein content increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing FBSFL level in the diets while, body lipid content was unaffected (P > 0.05). The haematological indices were not (P > 0.05) affected with the FBSFL inclusion levels. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher and alike protease activity was recorded in FBSFL50, FBSFL75, and FBSFL100 groups. However, activity of amylase and lipase were similar among treatments. The liver antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, and GST) did not show significant (P > 0.05) difference among the treatments. However, pangasius fed with FBSFL75 and FBSFL100 showed significantly higher and similar total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). The FBSFL in the diet of pangasius did not affect the liver metabolic enzyme (MDH, G-6-PDH and GDH) activities. Relative gene expression of growth hormone (GH1) did not substantially differ among the groups (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the immune gene expressions of complement (C3) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) but the expression level of transferrin was up-regulated significantly (P < 0.05) in FBSFL25 group. No damage was observed in hepatic tissues in histomorphometry examination due to the inclusion of FBSFL. The study concludes that formic acid fermented BSFL can be employed as a complete substitute for FM in the pangasius diet, offering additional health benefits without any adverse effects.

Partial Replacement of Fishmeal with Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal in Nile Tilapia Diets Improves Performance and Profitability in Earthen Pond

Insect meals have the potential to be used as a source of nutrients in aquafeeds due to their high nutritional profile and cost effectiveness. The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as a replacement for fish meal (FM) on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L) growth performance, survival rate, somatic indexes and economic benefits. Four experimental diets were prepared; three with BSFLM as a substitute for FM at 25 % (T25 %), 50 % (T50 %) and 75 % (T75 %) and a control diet without BSFLM (T0 %, 100 % FM). A total of 360 fingerlings weighing about 20 - 30 gs each were assigned to twelve cages built in a 720m2 earthen pond, with 30 fingerlings in each cage in a completely randomized design with three replications in each treatment group. The fingerlings were fed the experimental diets for 26 weeks. The results showed that the treatment diets did not significantly affect body weight gain and daily feed intake (p > 0.05). However, treatment T50 % (52.16 g) had the highest body weight gain while treatment T75 % (46.00 g) had the lowest body weight gain even though not statistically different (p > 0.05). The body length also followed the same trend being higher in T50 % (16.50 cm) and lowest in T75 % (15.91 cm). The survival rate was significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by the diet treatment groups, while blood parameters, visceral somatic and hepatosomatic indexes did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) across the treatment diets. Return on investment and the cost-benefit ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the partial replacement of FM with BSFLM. Diets T25 %, T50 % and T75 % had higher (p < 0.05) profit margins when compared with diet T0 % (control). The study found that BSFLM can replace FM in diets for Nile tilapia without compromising on the growth performance of the fish while also increasing the profitability.

Lauric acid content in intramuscular fat is a reliable indicator of black soldier fly larvae meal consumption in Muscovy ducks

The present research investigated if intramuscular fatty acid (FA) profile could distinguish meat from ducks fed with black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) during fattening. By using stepwise linear discriminant analysis on FA profiles of 96 meat samples, lauric acid (C12:0) was found to be the best predictor, accurately differentiating samples with only two misclassifications. The Fisher classification functions indicated that breast samples with lauric acid content above 0.222 % in intramuscular fat would be classified as BSFLM-fed. The Fisher classification functions were also effective in other poultry species fed BSFLM, with only two misclassified samples out of 42 samples from a dataset compiled from published papers. Misclassifications were linked to an unexpected lauric acid content in the intramuscular fat. In conclusion, given that BSFLM is the only relevant source of lauric acid in the diet, this fatty acid could identify meat from BSFLM-fed ducks and possibly other poultry species, warranting further exploration of other FA as potential identifiers of BSFLM-fed poultry.

Defatted black soldier fly larvae meal in lactating sow and pre-weaning piglet diets: impacts on growth performance, fecal microbiota, and metabolic pathways

Abstract To address the underexplored use of black soldier fly larval (BSFL) meal in pig farming for sustainable development, this study examined the effects of substituting conventional protein with defatted BSFL meal in the pre-weaning diet of piglets farrowed from sows fed defatted BSFL diets (0%, 2.3%, and 4.6%). Fifty-four piglets (18 piglets in each treatment) were housed with sows until 28 days of age and fed a pre-weaning diet containing 0%, 12.5%, or 25% defatted BSFL meal based on their respective sows’ dietary treatments (0%, 2.3%, and 4.6% defatted BSFL diets) from 21 to 35 days of age. The growth performances and fecal microbiota of piglets were investigated. The results showed that sow diets and defatted BSFL meal-incorporated pre-weaning diets did not have a significant effect on the growth performance of piglets (). However, piglet growth tended to decrease with increasing defatted BSFL meals in the pre-weaning diets. Additionally, piglets nursed by sows fed defatted BSFL diets showed higher fecal short-chain fatty acid and lower ammonia levels at 21 days of age than those nursed by sows fed a control diet (). Furthermore, defatted BSFL meal-incorporated pre-starter diets decreased fecal amino acids and modified the gut microbial metabolic pathways associated with stress response. These findings suggest that the appropriate inclusion of defatted BSFL meal in the diets of lactating sows and piglets did not adversely affect the growth performance of piglets and may potentially improve the health of piglets at weaning; however, attention should be paid to the chitin content in BSFL diets, which may affect nutrient digestibility. Incorporating 2.3% defatted BSFL to sow and 12.5% to pre-weaning piglet diets may serve as a feeding strategy in pig farming. The results obtained will aid the application of BSFL meal in the swine industry and the study of its dietary effect on weaning stress in piglets.