BSF Larvae Research Articles

Partial replacement of soybean with local alternative sources: effects on behavior, cecal microbiota, and intestinal histomorphometry of local chickens

Interest in partially replacing soybean meal in poultry diets with alternative protein sources such as agri-industrial by-products and black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) has gained significant attention due to sustainability concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of broiler diets in which soybean meal was partially substituted with agri-industrial by-products with or without BSF larvae meal, on the behavior, intestinal histomorphometry, and microbiome profile of a local broiler chicken strain. There were three dietary treatments. (1) A corn-soybean-based diet (Control), (2) a diet in which soybean was partly replaced (SPR) with local agri-industrial by-products, namely sunflower meal, brewers' dried grain, and wheat middlings, and (3) a diet in which BSF (5%) meal was added to SPR (SPR+BSF). Behavior was recorded on days 14, 35, and 49 at the pen level. On day 55, intestinal segments and cecal contents were collected from eight chickens per pen for histomorphometry and microbiome analysis. Dietary manipulations did not affect the behavior of broiler chickens (P > 0.05) suggesting that the experimental diets had no influence on behavior. A significant interaction between the intestinal segment and diets revealed that the SPR and SPR+BSF diets decreased duodenal villus height (VH) compared to the control diet (P < 0.05). However, this effect was not consistent across all of intestinal segments. Diet did not affect villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD; P > 0.05), indicating no significant impact on the absorptive capacity of the digestive system. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in the cecal samples. Colidextribacter and Oscillibacter spp. were more abundant in chickens fed the SPR diet compared to those fed the control diet. The SPR+BSF diet resulted in higher abundance of Rikenella and Colidextribacter spp. compared to the control diet, while Desulfovibrio, Ruminococcus torques group, and Lachnoclostridium were more abundant in the ceca of birds fed the SPR diet than those fed SPR+BSF. In conclusion, replacement of soybean with agri-industrial by-products and BSF larvae meal could regulate the cecal microbiota composition without negatively affecting the behavior and intestinal histomorphometry of the local chickens.

A First Step Towards Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Welfare by Considering Dietary Regimes (Part I).

The insect farming sector is expanding, but knowledge of insect welfare is still limited. This article aims to optimize the dietary regime for "black soldier fly" (Hermetia illucens L., BSF) larvae by applying a holistic view of welfare. Four diets were tested: control (CONTR, commercial laying hen feed), vegetable (VEG), omnivorous (OMN), and carnivorous (MEAT) diet, conducting experiments at a large (2000 larvae) and small scale (100 larvae). Rearing parameters were calculated including the growth rate, substrate reduction, efficiency of conversion of digested food, waste reduction index, and survival rate. Chemical analyses were conducted on BSF larvae and the residual frass. While the MEAT diet appears to be non-well-performing for the larvae, the VEG diet performed comparably to the control diet. Interestingly, the OMN diet demonstrated improved efficiency when evaluating the growth process at both scales. The chemical composition of larvae and frass highlighted the nutritional adequacy of the OMN diet, with the BSF larvae showing adequate protein and lipid content without nutrient catabolism or signs of discomfort. Applying the five freedoms of Brambell's report as a welfare standard for animal rearing and evaluating performance as an indirect indicator of welfare, the OMN diet appears to promote larval welfare in rearing practices.

Transcriptomic response of Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) to wounding and Gram-negative bacterial infection

Abstract The larvae of the black soldier fly (BSFL), Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), are of economic interest due to their use as livestock feed component. Unraveling their response to a bacterial infection will allow us to gain a better insight into their biology. In the current study, we used RNA-Seq analysis to unravel the transcriptomic response of BSFL to wounding and infection by a Gram-negative bacterium, Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5. Five-day-old BSFL were subjected to three treatments, i.e. untreated, PBS-injection, and bacteria-injection (5000 CFU per larva) and samples were collected at three time points (2 h, 6 h, and 13 h) post- treatment. Wounding induced expression of genes encoding recognition molecules and signaling pathway genes such as PGRP-SA, and Relish, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such cecropin, defensin, and attacin. At 2 h, wounding resulted in a significant upregulation of immunity-related genes whereas genes encoding for resilin and cuticle proteins were significantly downregulated. At 6 h, the expression of immunity-related genes reduced in response to wounding whereas their expression increased in infected larvae. At 13 h, the expression of immunity-related genes reduced drastically in response to wounding, while their expression increased significantly in infected larvae. Conversely, the expression of metabolism-related genes, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, was significantly upregulated in wounded larvae at 13 h, while their expression was significantly reduced in infected larvae. Increased investments in immunity-related processes in infected BSF larvae correlated with the downregulation of genes associated with metabolic processes indicative of a trade-off. Various immunity-related genes, including those encoding cecropin, defensin, attacin, and PGRP-SA, were consistently induced only during pathogen infection, indicating their role in immunity against Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we report multiple genes that are significantly upregulated post-bacterial infection in BSFL that may be utilized as biomarkers to monitor insect health in mass production facilities.

Pengaruh Substitusi Tepung Ikan dengan Tepung Larva BSF dalam Ransum terhadap Konsumsi Protein Kasar, Lemak Kasar dan Serat Kasar pada Burung Puyuh

The research was carried out experimentally at the Non-Ruminant Livestock Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Hasanuddin University from April to June 2019. This research aims to determine the effect of substituting fish meal with BSF larvae meal in the ration on the consumption of crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber in quail. 60 female quail were used in this study using cages measuring 90 x 60 x 30 cm. This research method used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of four treatments and five replications, divided randomly based on treatment as follows: P0 Ration without adding BSF larval meal, P1 = BSF larval meal 3.183% (6.67% crude fish meal protein) , P2=BSF larval meal 6.370% (3.34% fish meal crude protein), P3=BSF larval meal 9.565% (0% fish meal crude protein). The variables observed were the consumption of crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber in quail. The data obtained were then analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software. The results of the analysis of the effect of substituting fish meal with BSF larvae meal in the ration had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the consumption of crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber in quail.

Impact of Various Dietary Protein Sources on Growth Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fingerlings and on Water Quality

Aquaculture industry provides proteins and unsaturated fatty acids worldwide. Fresh water aquaculture is considered as the most prominent type of aquaculture in the world. Nile tilapia aquaculture is favored because it can adopt to wide range of environments and can tolerate various abiotic stresses. However, the success and profitability of aquaculture is significantly affected by type of feeds used in aquaculture system. An experiment was conducted to assess this important aspect of aquaculture. Nile tilapia fingerlings were fed on three different protein sources to assess the effects of these experimental diets on growth of fingerlings and on water quality. Three protein sources were freshwater shrimp meal (FSM), black soldier fly larvae (BSF) and soybean meal (SBM). Fingerlings were divided into groups based on their respective experimental diets and were arranged according to CRD with three replicates. Each replicate contained 30 fingerlings. Data was recorded for growth attributes of fingerlings and for water quality attributes. Analysis of data shows that BSF caused 32% increase in final weight of fingerlings followed by FSM, which caused 24% increase as compared to controlled. Net weight gain was also significantly enhanced by experimental diets. BSF caused 88% increase in weight gain as compared to controlled. BSF also increased 43% survival rate of Nile tilapia fingerlings as compared to fingerlings fed with controlled diet. Water quality was not much affected by all diets. Water quality parameters like DO, pH, temperature, ammonia and phosphorus all were in optimum range for tilapia culture. However, BSF provided 136% more phosphorus as compared to controlled. This study reveals the beneficial effects of BSF larvae protein source for Nile tilapia culture. So, from these findings, it can be suggested to partially replace fish meal with BSF larvae meal.

Impact of Various Dietary Protein Sources on Growth Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fingerlings and on Water Quality

Aquaculture industry provides proteins and unsaturated fatty acids worldwide. Fresh water aquaculture is considered as the most prominent type of aquaculture in the world. Nile tilapia aquaculture is favored because it can adopt to wide range of environments and can tolerate various abiotic stresses. However, the success and profitability of aquaculture is significantly affected by type of feeds used in aquaculture system. An experiment was conducted to assess this important aspect of aquaculture. Nile tilapia fingerlings were fed on three different protein sources to assess the effects of these experimental diets on growth of fingerlings and on water quality. Three protein sources were freshwater shrimp meal (FSM), black soldier fly larvae (BSF) and soybean meal (SBM). Fingerlings were divided into groups based on their respective experimental diets and were arranged according to CRD with three replicates. Each replicate contained 30 fingerlings. Data was recorded for growth attributes of fingerlings and for water quality attributes. Analysis of data shows that BSF caused 32% increase in final weight of fingerlings followed by FSM, which caused 24% increase as compared to controlled. Net weight gain was also significantly enhanced by experimental diets. BSF caused 88% increase in weight gain as compared to controlled. BSF also increased 43% survival rate of Nile tilapia fingerlings as compared to fingerlings fed with controlled diet. Water quality was not much affected by all diets. Water quality parameters like DO, pH, temperature, ammonia and phosphorus all were in optimum range for tilapia culture. However, BSF provided 136% more phosphorus as compared to controlled. This study reveals the beneficial effects of BSF larvae protein source for Nile tilapia culture. So, from these findings, it can be suggested to partially replace fish meal with BSF larvae meal.

Growth performance and survival rate of of Pontastacus leptodactylus juvenile fed with fresh black soldier fly Hermetia illucens, and mealworm Tenebrio molitor larvae

In this study, the survival, growth performance, of crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus juvenile were evaluated when fed with five different diets. These diets were conducted CF: commercial feed, Hİ: Fresh Hermetia illucens, CF+Hİ; 50% commercial feed + 50% fresh Hermetia illucens, TM: Fresh Tenebrio molitor, CF+TM: 50% commercial feed + 50% fresh Tenebrio molitor. The experiment lasted for 60 days. The results showed that the survival rate, final body weight, and weight gain were negatively correlated fresh BSF and TM diets. All individuals fed only with BSF and TM diets died in approximately 30th days of the experiment. The final weight, FCR, molting rate and survival rate of crayfish fed with dietary treatment diets were determined significant differences on the 30th day (P < 0.05). The crayfish fed with CF+BSFL and CF+TM diets were similar weight, FCR, molting rate, single cheliped injury, and the control group on the 30th day and 60th day. However, the highest survival rate was observed in crayfish fed with CF diet, CF+BSFL and CF+TM groups followed this group on the 60th day. As a result, TM and BSF diets given fresh alone showed negative results on growth and survival rate in crayfish larvae. By decreasing 50% commercial feeds and using as supplementary feed of TM and BSF larvae can show similar growth as the control group. However, supplemented 50% rate TM to commercial diets cannot be recommended due to reduced survival rates. Fresh BSF can be given to P. astacus larvae by reducing commercial feed by 50% without affecting the survival rate and growth.

A cell line derived from the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera:Stratiomyidae).

Insect cell lines are effective tools used in industry and academia. For example, they are used in screening potential insecticides, in making certain proteins for biomedical applications, and in basic research into insect biology. So far, there are no cell lines derived from the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (BSF). This may become an issue because BSFs are employed in a range of industrial and household processes. BSFs are used in producing biodiesel, in developing cosmetics and skin creams, and in the production of some medicines and animal feeds. BSF larvae process waste streams from a variety of sources into food for some animals and are also used in household composting. Our BSF cell line, designated BCIRL-HiE0122021-SGS, was developed from eggs using the medium CLG#2 (50% L-15 + 50% EX-CELL 420, with 9% FBS and antibiotics), with many other media being tested. This cell line consists of attached cells with a variety of morphologies and its identity was authenticated using CO1 barcoding. A growth curve was generated and the resulting doubling time was 118 h. We quantified the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES) and recorded the expected range of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAMEs, with only trace levels of lauric acid being noted. The BSF cell line is available free of charge by request.

Dietary protein level influences growth, adult emergence, and susceptibility to bacterial infection in Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae

Abstract The larvae of the black soldier fly (BSFL), Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), are grown on diverse residual organic matter that differ in their protein content and contain a plethora of microorganisms. The effect of dietary protein level on the interaction of BSFL with entomopathogenic bacteria remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of dietary protein level on BSFL growth, uric acid accumulation, and adult emergence and the outcome of the host-pathogen interaction between BSFL and the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5. We formulated three experimental diets in which digestible carbohydrate content was maintained at 50% of dry matter (DM), and crude protein was included at either 10% (low protein), 22.5% (medium protein), or 35% (high protein) DM, respectively. The influence of these diets on larval biomass, accumulation of uric acid in the larval hindgut, and subsequent adult emergence were recorded. In addition, the survival of BSFL fed on these diets was monitored for 64 hours after injection with an LD50 dose (1 μl of 2.5 × 103 CFU/ml) of P. protegens Pf-5. The biomass of 5-day-old larvae grown on a low-protein diet was higher than that of larvae grown on a high-protein diet. However, no such difference in biomass was observed in 8-day-old larvae. The amount of uric acid in the hindgut of larvae fed on high protein was three-fold and two-fold higher than larvae fed on low- and medium-protein diets, respectively. Adult emergence on a high-protein diet was significantly reduced and delayed compared to low- and medium-protein diets. BSFL fed a high-protein diet displayed significantly lower survival after infection with P. protegens Pf-5 than those fed a low-protein diet. Overall, feeding a high-protein diet reduced adult emergence and combined with infection with a Gram-negative bacterium survival of BSF larvae was strongly reduced.

Pengaruh pemberian sampah organik terhadap pertumbuhan dan kandungan astaxanthin pada pupa black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus))

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus)) atau BSF merupakan serangga pengolah sampah organik yang fase larvanya memiliki kandungan nutrisi tinggi sehingga berpotensi sebagai sumber protein alternatif pakan dan pangan. Astaxanthin merupakan senyawa antioksidan yang lazim diperoleh dari tumbuhan, alga, dan Crustacea. Deteksi astaxanthin pada Bombyx mori (Linnaeus) menjadi titik tolak dugaan bahwa astaxanthin potensial ditemukan pada serangga lain termasuk BSF. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mempelajari pengaruh pemberian jenis pakan sampah organik terhadap pertumbuhan larva BSF dan kandungan astaxanthin pada pupa BSF. Desain penelitian menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap dengan 4 perlakuan jenis pakan sampah organik berupa sisa buah dan sayur (BS), ampas tahu (AT), sisa nasi (N), campuran sisa buah dan sayur, ampas tahu dan sisa nasi (C). Pakan ternak T51 digunakan sebagai kontrol. Setiap perlakuan pakan diulang 3 kali. Parameter penelitian terukur meliputi parameter pertumbuhan larva berupa berat, panjang, dan karakteristik larva; dan parameter kandungan senyawa kimia termasuk astaxanthin pada pupa BSF. Ekstraksi pupa dilakukan dengan metode maserasi triphasic menggunakan kombinasi 5 pelarut berupa n-heptane, etil asetat, acetonitrile, butanol-l, dan akuades, sedangkan identifikasi senyawa dilakukan menggunakan uji kualitatif terpenoid, uji thin layer chromatography (TLC), dan liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa buah dan sayur (BS) paling berpengaruh meningkatkan pertambahan ukuran tubuh larva dengan berat 0,09 ± 0,04 gram/larva dan panjang 1,49 ± 0,31 cm/larva. Analisis LC-MS mendeteksi senyawa dereplikasi lutein, anisodamine, derivat resveratrol, dehydroarginine, dan senyawa dereplikasi astaxanthin dengan massa molekuler sebesar 597,23 m/z pada larva BSF yang diberi pakan buah dan sayur.

Chemical composition and protein quality of BSF larvae reared with different media in Lombok

Abstract The black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), scientifically known as Hermetia illucens, possess a substantial protein and fat content, enhancing their viability for incorporation into poultry feed. This characteristic positions them as one of the most favorable insect species for commercial productio. Its protein and fat content, however, varied among rearing media. This study aims to evaluate and compare the chemical composition, protein quality, and Apparent metabolizable energy (AME) value of BSFL reared with different media in Lombok Island. Three fourteen-day-old BSFL samples were collected from three BSFL farms rearing BSFL with different media i.e., rejected bread and expired sweetened condensed milk (A), organic household waste (B), and broiler manure (C). The samples were analyzed for their proximate composition, amino acids, and gross energy contents using the standard method. The results showed that protein and fat contents of BSFL reared with media A, B and C were 40.11 and 20.29 %; 39.09 and 37.17%, 28.37 and 29.49 % respectively. All samples were good sources of lysine and threonine with a chemical score over 100, but deficient in sulfur-containing amino acids and tryptophan. The AME value ranged from 5447 to 6085 Kcal/kg, and protein digestibility was between 72.78 and 78.67%. It can be concluded that BSFL has a high AME value and is rich in lysine and threonine but deficient in methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan.

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.): A potential small mighty giant in the field of cosmeceuticals.

Natural products are widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries due to their high-value bioactive compounds, which make for "greener" and more environmentally friendly ingredients. These natural compounds are also considered a safer alternative to antibiotics, which may result in antibiotic resistance as well as unfavorable side effects. The development of cosmeceuticals, which combine the cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields to create skincare products with therapeutic value, has increased the demand for unique natural resources. The objective of this review is to discuss the biological properties of extracts derived from larvae of the black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens), the appropriate extraction methods, and the potential of this insect as a novel active ingredient in the formulation of new cosmeceutical products. This review also addresses the biological actions of compounds originating from the BSF, and the possible association between the diets of BSF larvae and their subsequent bioactive composition. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify and evaluate the various biological properties of the BSF. One such natural resource that may be useful in the cosmeceutical field is the BSF, a versatile insect with numerous potential applications due to its nutrient content and scavenging behavior. Previous research has also shown that the BSF has several biological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects. Given the range of biological activities and metabolites possessed by the BSF, this insect may have the cosmeceutical potential to treat a number of skin pathologies.

Insect live larvae as a new nutritional model in duck: effects on gut health

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of Hermetia illucens (Black soldier fly-BSF) and Tenebrio molitor (Yellow mealworm-YMW) live larvae as a new nutritional model on duck’s gut health, considering gut histomorphometry, mucin composition, cytokines transcription levels, and microbiota. A total of 126, 3-days-old, females Muscovy ducks were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments (6 replicates/treatment, 7 birds/pen): (i) C: basal diet; (ii) BSF: C + BSF live larvae; (iii) YMW: C + YMW live larvae. BSF and YMW live larvae were administered on top of the basal diet, based on the 5% of the expected daily feed intake. The live weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were evaluated for the whole experimental period. On day 52, 12 ducks/treatment (2 birds/replicate) were slaughtered and samples of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, spleen, liver, thymus and bursa of Fabricius were collected for histomorphometry. Mucin composition was evaluated in the small intestine through histochemical staining while jejunal MUC-2 and cytokines transcription levels were evaluated by rt-qPCR. Cecal microbiota was also analyzed by means of 16 S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsBirds’ growth performance and histomorphometry were not influenced by diet, with a proximo-distal decreasing gradient from duodenum to ileum (p < 0.001), respecting the physiological gut development. Mucin staining intensity and MUC-2 gene expression did not vary among dietary treatments, even though mucin intensity increased from duodenum to ileum, according to normal gut mucus physiology (p < 0.001). Regarding local immune response, IL-6 was higher in YMW group when compared to the other groups (p = 0.009). Insect live larvae did not affect cecal microbiota diversity, but BSF and YMW groups showed a higher presence of Helicobacter, Elusimicrobium, and Succinatimonas and a lower abundance of Coriobacteriaceae and Phascolarctobacterium compared to C birds (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe use of BSF and YMW live larvae as new nutritional model did not impair gut development and mucin composition of Muscovy ducks, but slightly improved the intestinal immune status and the microbiota composition by enhancing regulatory cytokine IL-6 and by increasing minor Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) involved in short-chain fatty acids production.

Microbial dynamics and vertical transmission of Escherichia coli across consecutive life stages of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

BackgroundThe black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens L.) is one of the most promising insects for bioconversion of organic waste, which often carry a high microbial load with potential foodborne pathogens. Although horizontal transmission (from rearing substrate to larvae) has been extensively studied, less is known about vertical transmission of microorganisms, and particularly of foodborne pathogens, across different BSF life stages.ResultsThis study investigated the microbial dynamics and vertical transmission of Escherichia coli across different life stages (larvae, prepupae, pupae and adults) of one BSF life cycle and its associated substrate (chicken feed) and frass, based on a combination of general microbial counts (based on culture-dependent techniques) and the bacterial community composition (based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing). Multiple interactions between the microbiota of the substrate, frass and BSF larvae were affirmed. The larvae showed relative consistency among both the microbial counts and bacterial community composition. Diversification of the bacterial communities started during the pupal stage, while most notable changes of the microbial counts and bacterial community compositions occurred during metamorphosis to adults. Furthermore, vertical transmission of E. coli was investigated after substrate inoculation with approximately 7.0 log cfu/g of kanamycin-resistant E. coli, and monitoring E. coli counts from larval to adult stage. Although the frass still contained substantial levels of E. coli (> 4.5 log cfu/g) and E. coli was taken up by the larvae, limited vertical transmission of E. coli was observed with a decreasing trend until the prepupal stage. E. coli counts were below the detection limit (1.0 log cfu/g) for all BSF samples from the end of the pupal stage and the adult stage. Additionally, substrate inoculation of E. coli did not have a substantial impact on the bacterial community composition of the substrate, frass or different BSF life stages.ConclusionsThe fluctuating microbial counts and bacterial community composition underscored the dynamic character of the microbiota of BSF life stages. Additionally, vertical transmission throughout one BSF life cycle was not observed for E. coli. Hence, these findings paved the way for future case studies on vertical transmission of foodborne pathogens across consecutive BSF life stages or other insect species.

Bimbingan Teknis Optimalisasi Penggunaan Residu Maggot sebagai Bahan Baku dalam Pengolahan Pupuk Organik

Organic waste is one of the main environmental problems in many countries, including Indonesia, where its presence can cause ecosystem imbalance. Utilizing insects in the agricultural production cycle is a potential alternative for producing valuable protein feed and sustainable organic fertilizer. This community service program aims to provide technical guidance on using maggot residue as a raw material for processing organic fertilizer. The implementation of this community service program consists of several stages, including preparation, planning, execution, and evaluation. The execution stage involves multiple activities, such as field visits, material presentations, and practical fieldwork. The outcome of this technical guidance includes increased literacy and understanding among maggot breeders and horticultural farmers regarding the use of maggot residue as a raw material in organic fertilizer processing. The decomposition of waste by BSF larvae yields better results due to its higher nutrient content. The residual waste decomposed by BSF larvae can be transformed into compost with high benefits and can be applied to cultivated plants or soil to improve soil properties.

Hemolymph metabolism of black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), response to different supplemental fungi.

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), is commonly used for organic waste recycling and animal feed production. However, the often inadequate nutrients in organic waste necessitate nutritional enhancement of black soldier fly larvae, e.g., by fungal supplementation of its diet. We investigated the amino acid composition of two fungi, Candida tropicalis (Castell.) Berkhout (Saccharomycetales: Saccharomycetaceae) and Pichia kudriavzevii Boidin, Pignal & Besson (Saccharomycetales: Pichiaceae), from the black soldier fly gut, and commercial baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Meyen ex E.C. Hansen (Saccharomycetales: Saccharomycetaceae), and their effects on larval growth and hemolymph metabolites in fifth-instar black soldier fly larvae. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to study the effect of fungal metabolites on black soldier fly larval metabolism. Amino acid analysis revealed significant variation among the fungi. Fungal supplementation led to increased larval body mass and differential metabolite accumulation. The three fungal species caused distinct metabolic changes, with each over-accumulating and down-accumulating various metabolites. We identified significant alteration of histidine metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism in BSF larvae treated with C. tropicalis. Treatment with P. kudriavzevii affected histidine metabolism and citrate cycle metabolites, while both P. kudriavzevii and S. cerevisiae treatments impacted tyrosine metabolism. Treatment with S. cerevisiae resulted in down-accumulation of metabolites related to glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. This study suggests that adding fungi to the larval diet significantly affects black soldier fly larval metabolomics. Further research is needed to understand how individual amino acids and their metabolites contributed by fungi affect black soldier fly larval physiology, growth, and development, to elucidate the interaction between fungal nutrients and black soldier fly physiology.

Evaluating the Efficiency of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae in Converting Mackerel Head Waste into Valuable Resources.

The seafood processing industry generates significant waste, including mackerel heads (MH), constituting 20-32% of total waste. This study explored the potential of utilizing MH as a feed source for black soldier fly larvae (BSF larvae). BSF larvae are known for their ability to efficiently convert organic materials into nutrient-rich biomass. Five concentrations of MH (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% in chicken feed) were fed to BSF larvae for eight days. After harvesting, their growth, MH conversion efficiency, nutritional content, and heavy metals reduction potential were measured. BSF larvae showed optimal growth when fed with a feed containing 20% MH, resulting in a 14.36-fold increase in weight compared to the control group, as determined by the Fisher's Least Significant Difference Test. BSF larvae maintained a survival rate of 99.33%. With the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 2.09 at 20% MH, feed efficiency was improved by up to 65.15%, and feed reduction up to 73.53%. MH enhanced lipid and protein content in BSF larvae. Furthermore, BSF larvae in this study showed higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as other amino acids which are required for breeding animals. The current study highlights the potential of MH as a feed source for BSF larvae, improving nutritional biomass. It also suggests BSF larvae as an eco-friendly option for handling seafood processing waste and as an alternative feed source for animals.

Bioconversion of faecal and kitchen waste using black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens):

Novel technologies to convert faecal waste into valuable nutrients provide a win-win situation in enhancing the closed sanitation loop, and providing safe sanitation. In this study, laboratory-scale experiments were set to examine the applicability of the Black Soldier Fly in bioconversion of organic matter (faecal matter (FM) and kitchen waste (KW) while producing larvae biomass rich in protein and fat compounds. To determine the mass balance process, each of the feed substrates (500g) in triplicate and 3 grams of 6-day-old larvae (844 larvae) were introduced. The larval developmental time to 50% pupation, survival rate (SR), waste reduction rates (WR), prepupal yield, bioconversion rate (BCR), feed conversion rate (FCR), and efficiency of digested feed (ECD) were monitored in triplicate at the end of the experiments for mass balance process. Mass balance determination (triplicate) yielded average prepupal yield of 70.43±0.02g and 56.77±0.01g, with protein content per unit ranging from 32.23% to 41.26% and 20.06% to 37.13% on faecal and kitchen waste respectively. The ECD of 17.63±0.01% and 12.05±0.00%, waste reduction of 79.91% and 92.24% from faecal and kitchen waste respectively were obtained. From the findings, both substrates were palatable as BSFL feeds. The study findings show the potential of using BSF larvae technology to valorise faecal and kitchen waste and produce larval biomass rich in proteins and fats.

Characterization of Chitinolitic Bacteria from Hermatia illucent Larvae Waste: Antifungal Activity, Hydrolytic Enzyme, and Phosphate-Potassium Solubilization

Hermetia illucens larvae, also known as the black soldier fly larvae, are best known as the decomposers of organic matter. There are many potential microbes found in the feces of BSF larvae. This research aimed to isolate the chitinolytic bacteria from chicken manure maggot waste, identify the antifugal activity, hydrolytic enzyme activity, phosphate and potassium solubilization, and bacterial species through 16S rRNA gene analysis. The initial screening focused on bacteria with chitinolytic ability. Antifungal activity tests were performed against phytopathogenic fungi, Colletotrichum sp. Isolate MKP02 showed the highest activity in inhibiting the growth of Colletotrichum sp. up to 100% and produced protease and cellulase enzymes, along with the ability to solubilize potassium. Furthermore, the potential isolate MKP04, the isolate shows the highest cellulolytic activity with a percentage of 300%. It can inhibit Colletotrichum sp. fungi, as well as having lipase enzyme content, and being able to dissolve potassium. The results of 16S rRNA gene amplification on the two isolates showed that both isolates were close to bacteria of the genus Lysinibacillus and Brevibacterium. This research is expected to provide valuable information about the bacterial content, levels of hydrolytic enzymes, and the ability to solubilize phosphate and potassium in BSF.

Evaluation of the decomposition ability and characteristics of pig manure treated with different larval instar stages of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.)

AbstractWaste treatment using black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens L.) larvae is an emerging technology that reduces livestock manure disposal. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different growth stage BSF larvae on the decomposition potential (Experiment 1) and characteristics (Experiment 2) of pig manure. BSF larval instars were randomly divided in three groups according to their developmental stage, with three replicates per group, using a randomized block design. Each treatment group consisted of 1 kg of 2nd, 3rd, or 4th instar BSF larvae added in 10 kg of pig manure (Group 1, 2, or 3, respectively). In Experiment 1, 2nd and 3rd instar BSF larvae treatments resulted in greater decomposition levels of pig manure compared with 4th instar BSF larvae groups. In Experiment 2, BSF larvae improved the nutrient content of manure, leading to an increase in the total nitrogen levels and a decrease in total carbon content and C:N ratio, rendering it suitable for use as an organic fertilizer. In addition, the increased N levels of treated BSF manure were not related to lower pH levels. BSF larvae can greatly reduce ADF and NDF pig manure contents as a result of the larvae's waste reduction potential. Overall, BSF 3rd instar larvae have proven to be a useful tool for the sustainable management of pig manure by strongly increasing its decomposition ability and can be an organic fertilizer for agricultural purposes that reduce ADF and NDF contents through composting.