Larvae Meal Research Articles

Toward Feeds for Circular Multitrophic Food Production Systems: Holistically Evaluating Growth Performance and Nutrient Excretion of African Catfish Fed Fish Meal-Free Diets in Comparison to Nile Tilapia

In aquaponics and circular multitrophic food production systems, dietary protein source, as well as fish species choice, particularly in cases of different nutritional physiology, could be factors affecting excreted nutrient profiles. Accordingly, growth performance, dissolved nutrient accumulation and feces nutrient profiles were evaluated for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) reared in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and fed single protein source diets based on black soldier fly larvae meal (BSF), poultry by-product meal (PM), poultry blood meal (PBM) and fish meal (FM) and the results were compared to previous findings for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). All diets resulted in significantly different growth performances of African catfish, with FM producing the best growth performance, followed by PM, BSF and PBM. PM resulted in the highest soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations (SRP) in the RAS water; whereas, BSF resulted in the highest K, Mg and Cu concentrations. The highest feces nutrient density was recorded for PBM; whereas, FM and PM yielded the lowest feces nutrient density. Comparing African catfish to Nile tilapia revealed that the former showed significantly better growth performance with FM and PM, however, significantly weaker performance with BSF. Although dissolved K accumulation was similar between species across diets, significant differences were recorded for total inorganic nitrogen and SRP production per unit of feed for individual diets. Despite similar feces nutrient profiles, African catfish produce significantly less feces dry matter per unit of feed for each diet compared to Nile tilapia. Findings are discussed regarding their implications for aquafeed development in the context of circular multitrophic food production systems.

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 reduced growth performance and altered organs morphology

Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) is characterized with good nutritional and functional attributes. However, there is limited data on inclusion of BSFLM in broiler chicken rations from placement through to market weight. Therefore, we examined growth and organ responses of partial to complete replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with BSFLM in a practical feeding program. A total of 1,152 d-old male Ross × Ross 708 chicks were allocated to 48 pens and assigned one of six diets (n = 8). The diets were: a basal corn-SBM diet (0%BSFLM), 4 diets in which SBM in 0%BSFLM was replaced with BSFLM at 12.5, 25, 50, and 100% and a final diet (0 + AGP) in which 0%BSFLM was treated with coccidiostat (70 mg Narasin/kg) and antibiotic (55 mg Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate/kg). For energy fortification, soy oil was used for 0%BSFLM diets and black soldier fly oil in the other diets. Body weight, feed intake (FI), BW gain (BWG), and mortality-corrected feed conversion ratio (FCR) were reported. Organ weights were recorded on d 24 and 49. On d 10, birds fed diets 12.5, 25, and 0 + AGP had higher BWG than birds fed diets 0, 50, and 100 (P < 0.01), and birds fed diet 100 had lower BWG than birds fed diets 0 or 50 (P < 0.01). Birds fed diets 50 and 100 had lower BWG than birds fed all other diets on d 24 and 49 (P < 0.05). Overall (d 0–49), BSFLM linearly (P < 0.01) decreased BW, BWG, and FI and increased FCR and mortality. The overall BWG of 50 and 100% BSFLM birds was 92 and 81% of birds fed 0%BSFLM, repectively and coresponding overall FI was 96 and 90%. An increase in gizzard, small intestine, pancreas, and liver relative weights were observed with increasing BSFLM inclusion (P < 0.01). The data indicated that lower levels of BSFLM could provide some growth-promoting effects commensurate to antibiotics in the starter phase. However, replacing SBM with greater amounts (≥50) of BSFLM reduced growth and increased organ size.

Defatted black soldier fly larvae meal as a dietary ingredient for tambaqui ( Colossoma macropomum ): Digestibility, growth performance, haematological parameters, and carcass composition

Black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) meal is a prominent ingredient to keep up with the increasing demand of protein sources for aquafeeds. This study evaluated the digestibility of defatted BSF larvae meal (DBSFL) by indirect method, growth performance, haematological parameters, and carcass composition of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed diets containing DBSFL. The apparent digestibility coefficient of protein from DBSFL was 84.2%, corresponding to 42.9% of digestible protein. For the feeding trial, juvenile tambaqui (3.25 ± 0.01 g) were randomly distributed in 18 experimental units (100 L; n = 3; 27 fish/tank) in a recirculation system. Fish were fed to apparent satiation for 60 days with isoproteic and isocaloric diets containing 0%, 6%, 12%, 18%, 24% or 30% of DBSFL meal. At the end of feeding trial, fish length and weight were recorded; blood samples were drawn from caudal vein of three fish per tank, and three fish from each replicate were euthanized for analysis of carcass proximate composition. The inclusion of up to 30% DBSFL meal did not impair tambaqui growth performance and fish body composition. The blood cholesterol level of the fish fed diet with 30% DBSFL inclusion was higher, but within the limits recorded for that species. DBSFL meal seems to be an interesting and safe protein source for tambaqui farming. The use of this ingredient as protein source can encourage the circular economy by promoting environmental sustainability.

Feeding the Laying Quails with Mealworm Larvae Meal and Alterations in Egg Quality and Yolk Fatty Acid Profile

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor) larvae meal in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) diets on performance, egg quality, yolk color, and yolk fatty acid composition. A total of forty-eight, 14 weeks-old laying quails were used with 4 replicates in control (basal diet), mealworm larvae meal (MLM) 2% or 4 % treatment groups. Results showed that independently of inclusion level dietary MLM did not affect performance and egg quality parameters. However, color values (L*, a*, b*) of egg yolk changed with the inclusion of both levels of MLM to diet (p&lt;0.5). Outcomes also displayed dietary MLM altered the fatty acid composition of egg yolk dependably the additional level (p&lt;0.5). Diets containing 2 and 4 % MLM did not affect total saturated fatty acid (ƩSFA) content, however, increased total monounsaturated fatty acids (ƩMUFA) (p&lt;0.5). Both supplemental levels of dietary MLM decreased significantly the total polyunsaturated fatty acids (ƩPUFA) of the yolk compared to the control group (p&lt;0.5). According to outcomes of this study, MLM may use in safe as feed material instead of soybean meal at levels of 2 or 4 % without effect on performance parameters in laying quail diets.

Dietary Tenebrio molitor Larvae Meal Inclusion Exerts Tissue-Specific Effects on Cellular, Metabolic, and Antioxidant Status in European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata).

The present study addresses the effects of dietary Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae meal inclusion on cytoprotective, cell death pathways, antioxidant defence, and intermediate metabolism in the heart, muscle, and digestive tract of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Three experimental diets were formulated to contain 0%, 25%, or 50% inclusion TM levels. Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) induction was apparent in both species' muscle at 50% inclusion. Conversely, p44/42 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) activation was increased (p < 0.05) in both species' muscle and digestive tract at 25% inclusion. Regarding the apoptotic machinery, TM inclusion exerted no influence on gilthead seabream, while suppression through autophagy may have occurred in the muscle. However, significant apoptosis (p < 0.05) was evident in European sea bass muscle and digestive tract. Both fish species' heart seemed to additionally rely on lipids compared to muscle and digestive tract. In contrast to gilthead seabream, European sea bass exhibited increased (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity at 50% TM inclusion. The present findings highlight the dietary derived induction of cellular responses in a species- and tissue-specific manner, whereas European sea bass appears to be more susceptible to TM inclusion.

Comparative protein quality in black soldier fly larvae meal vs. soybean meal and fish meal using classical protein efficiency ratio (PER) chick growth assay model

Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) is a relatively new ingredient that has attracted attention for application in human, farm, and companion animal nutrition. However, there is limited data on protein quality (PQ) of BSFLM. This study compared PQ in BSFLM with soybean meal (SBM) and fishmeal (FM) using the classical protein efficiency ratio (PER) chick growth assay model. A total of 240-male day-old Ross×Ross broiler chicks were allocated to 6 test diets for 10 d test. The corn starch-dextrose based diets were: 5 test diets containing 10% crude protein (CP) from casein (as a standard assay diet), SBM, FM, or BSFLM without or with (BSFLM+) additional essential amino acids (EAA) to match the levels of the SBM diet on digestible basis. A sixth diet was nitrogen-free (NFD), to enable calculation of net protein ratio (NPR). The birds had ad libitum access to feed and water, body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) were recorded at the beginning and end of the experimental feeding period. Body weight gain (BWG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), crude protein intake (CPI), PER, and NPR were calculated. The analyzed CP (as fed) was 10.1, 12.8, 9.5, 11.7, and 14.9% for casein, SBM, FM, BSFLM, and BSFLM+ diets, respectively. Birds fed BSFLM+ had greater BWG (P < 0.01) than birds fed other diets. Feed intake was greater (P < 0.01) for birds fed BSFLM+ and FM diets than birds fed other diets. Birds fed BSFLM+ ate (P < 0.01) more CP than birds fed other diets. Diets had no (P > 0.05) effects on PER and NPR. In terms of ranking, the PER was 2.44, 2.38, 2.34, 2.28, and 2.10 g BWG/g CPI for BSFLM+, SBM, FM, casein, and BSLM, respectively. Corresponding values for NPR were 2.69, 2.78, 2.70, 2.74, and 2.48 g BWG/g CPI, respectively. In conclusion, the protein quality of BSFLM without or with additional EAA was comparable with FM and SBM.

Efficacy of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal as Feed on Growth Performance for Juvenile Javan Mahseer (Tor tambra)

Fish meal (FM) is a well known protein source for fish feed and its heavy utilization has contributed to overfishing that lead to increase price of formulated feed due to scarcity of fish resources for fish meal. Several studies were done to identify the best substitution of FM including Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae as a potential candidate for FM replacement. This study was done to investigate the proximate composition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (BSFLM) and to determine its efficacy as feed on growth performance of Javan Mahseer (Tor tambra). Three types of treatment were used namely F0 or control (0% BSFLM and 100% FM), F50 (50% BSFLM and 50% FM) and F100 (100% BSFLM and 0% FM). Each treatment was fed twice daily for 20 days to 10 Javan Mahseer with the average initial weight of 0.1g respectively. Analyses conducted was proximate composition and growth performance like specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, survival rate and body weight gain. Data was analysed using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) SPSS Windows 27. Results show that crude protein in F0, F50 and F100 were 37.52%, 30.36% and 27.52%; while F50 indicated best BWG (66.71%) and lowest FCR (3.16) respectively. It can be concluded that treatment 50% inclusion of BSF is the best ratio for good growth performances of Javan Mahseer.

Nutritional evaluation of frass from black soldier fly larvae as potential feed ingredient for Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

Frass is a by-product of the larval meal industry and is currently readily available and competitively priced relative to larva meal. In addition to generally high protein and fat content (21.6% and 6%, respectively), frass contains abundant nutrients, chitin, and beneficial microbes. This study evaluates the effect of various levels of frass derived from the larvae of black solder flies fed dried distillers’ grains (DDG) with solubles on growth performance, whole body and fillet proximate compositions and selected hemolymph parameters of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Five isocaloric diets containing frass at levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30% as partial replacement of a combination of soybean meal (SBM), cottonseed meal (CSM), wheat short (WS) and corn meal (CM) on an equal protein basis were offered four times daily to Pacific white shrimp. Four replicate groups of 15 shrimp per tank (initial weight 4.06 ± 0.05 g) were offered experimental diets at 4% total body weight daily for 12 weeks. Shrimp in each aquarium were group-weighed and counted at 2-week intervals and feed inputs were adjusted based on observed survival and weight gain. Although no significant differences were observed in final weight gain, survival, and whole-body composition of shrimp among treatments, there appeared to be quadratic trend of growth with increasing dietary levels of frass. Shrimp fed diets with 5% frass, and 30% frass, showed the highest and lowest weight gain, respectively. Percent lipid content of fillet is linearly decreased with increasing dietary levels of frass and shrimp fed 20% and higher dietary frass level had significantly lower level of fillet lipid. Serum from shrimp fed 20% dietary frass significantly increased inhibition of Vibrio parahaemolyticus growth when compared to that of the control group. However, other hemolymph parameters (total hemocyte count, hemocyanin, serum protein and serum cholesterol) were not significantly affected by dietary treatments. Frass can be incorporated in shrimp diets up to 30% as a substitute for a combination of SBM, CSM, WS and CM without affecting their growth performance, body composition, hemolymph parameters.

Partial dietary fishmeal replacement with full-fat or defatted superworm (Zophobas morio) larvae meals modulates the innate immune system of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata

Full-fat and defatted superworm Zophobas morio larvae meals were used in a feeding trial of 540 gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, juveniles (3.4 g initial weight) in order to assess their immunomodulatory effects. Six isonitrogenous (52 %) and isoenergetic (21 MJ/Kg) diets were formulated where the fishmeal of the control diet was replaced by full-fat Z. morio meal at 5 % and 10 % (FF5 and FF10) or defatted Z. morio meal at 10, 20 or 30 % (LF10, LF20 and LF30). Fish were kept in 18 glass tanks (125 L) within a closed recirculation seawater system and fed to satiation twice a day, 6 days per week for 100 days. LF20 significantly increased the percentage of neutrophils compared to a control fish-fed fishmeal (FM)-based diet. The dietary Z. morio meal immunomodulated the fish as expressed through an increased complement-associated bacterial killing (FF5 and FF10), nitric oxide production (LF30), and a tendency for an increased activity of lysozyme (FF5, LF20 and LF30) and of myeloperoxidase (FF5 and LF20), while trypsin inhibition was significantly suppressed by dietary FF5 and all 3 LF-containing diets compared to control FM-fed fish. These findings suggest that dietary Z. morio can immunomodulate gilthead seabream but further infectious challenge studies will have to be performed to determine if these effects are translated into an increased resistance to diseases.

The Long-term Effects of Dietary Replacement of Fish Meal with Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae on Nutritional Content and Eggshell Quality in Layer Chickens

Although the egg is one of the foods offering nutrients of high biological value, the diet of layer chickens can change these characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a long-term dietary replacement of fish meal with maggot meal of black soldier fly larvae on egg quality of hens. A total of 480 one-day-old Isa brown chicks were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatment groups. The groups were named T0 (8% fish meal), T1 (4% maggot meal and 4% fish meal), T2 (6% maggot meal and 2% fish meal), and T3 (8% maggot meal). Each treatment group had 6 replicates of 20 chicks each. Data were collected on the eggshell quality parameters between 22 and 56 weeks of age. The results indicated that egg weight, shell weight, shape index, shell index, egg surface area, egg volume, density, yolk pH, albumen pH, yolk and albumen moisture content, yolk color, and yolk height were not influenced by the use of larval meals. Although the proportion of the yolk increased with age, there was no interaction between the use of fly larvae and the duration of its use for the collected parameters. However, the proportion of albumen, Haugh’s unit in T1 and T3 treatments were higher than those of T0 and T2. The proportion of egg yolk, the yolk to albumen ratio, and the count of cracked eggs of T0 and T2 varied significantly compared to T1 and T3. Total egg fat decreased significantly as a result of the use of maggot meal. Total cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and LDL/HDL ratio were lower in groups fed larvae meal, compared to the control group. It was concluded that the use of black soldier fly larvae meal during the entire rearing cycle and period of layers did not adversely affect the eggshell quality and nutritional content of the eggs.

Performance of Finisher Broilers Fed Graded Levels of Bio-processed Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (BSFLM)

This study was carried out to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of Finisher Broiler birds fed varying levels of Black Soldier Fly larvae meal (BSFLM) at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching and Research Farm. A total of 128 Finisher broilers were used for the experiment which lasted for four (4) weeks. The 128 birds were randomly assigned to four (4) dietary treatment groups and each treatment was replicated four times with eight (8) birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. T1, which was the control group had 0% inclusion of BSFLM. T2, T3 and T4 contained 0.07%, 0.14% and 0.21% BSFLM treatment levels. The result of the experiment showed that at 0.21% (T4) inclusion level of BSFLM, the final weight, total weight gain, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P&lt;0.05) better than other treatments (T1, T2 and T3); T1 and T2 were significantly (P&gt;0.05) not different. The prime cuts of drumstick, thigh, breast and gizzard followed the same pattern observed with growth. It can be concluded that 0.21% inclusion of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal enhanced growth performance as well as carcass characteristics of finisher broiler

Effects of increasing levels of whole Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in broiler rations on acceptance, nutrient and energy intakes and utilization, and growth performance of broilers

Meal of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), which requires extraction of protein and fat, is a novel protein source for poultry, while unprocessed whole BSFL could even directly be fed to chickens. Newly hatched Ross-308 chicks (n = 252) received whole BSFL at 10% (L10), 20% (L20), or 30% (L30) of voluntary feed intake (FI) of control chickens (CON) that received no BSFL but only age-specific diets (n = 63 birds / group) for 42 days (d). Acceptance and nutrient and energy intake of birds by BSFL and FI were calculated. Plasma metabolites were measured using an automatic enzymatic analyzer and immunoglobulins with ELISA. Depending on the variable, data were analyzed using ANOVA or repeated measures ANOVA to address treatment, time and interaction effects. Birds consumed all offered larvae. With the exception of d1, time spent by birds eating their daily portion of larvae (TSL, min/pen) did not differ among the larvae supply groups (P = 0.982). The L10 had a higher larvae eating rate (LER) that is, speed of larvae intake than did L20 and L30 (P < 0.05), implying increased competition for less available BSFL. The ratio of LER to feed eating rate (FER) was greater than 50 fold change difference (FCD), indicating a strong interest of chickens in BSFL over regular feed. Whole BSFL intake up to 30% of voluntary FI did not adversely affect broiler growth (P > 0.05). The L30 had lower total dry matter and metabolizable energy intakes (P < 0.05), although total fat intake was higher in L30 than in CON (P < 0.05). Compared with CON, 30% whole BSFL increased dietary protein-to-energy ratios, plasma uric acid and serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations (P < 0.05). We conclude that whole BSFL can be included in broiler rations up to 20% without negatively affecting growth performance and nutrient conversion efficiency, whereas a higher proportion is associated with lower protein utilization efficiency, possibly due to lower total energy intake.

Effects of Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), Larvae Incorporated Feed on Histomorphology, Gut Microbiota and Blood Chemistry of Cultured Fishes: A Review

Inadequate availability and unreasonable prices made fish meal an unreliable feed ingredient in aquaculture. Consequently, researchers have tested different plant and animal-derived protein sources as an option over the fish meal. The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), larva, has been identified as a reliable protein source for fish meal replacement. Many studies have revealed the growth and microbiological impacts of H. illucens larvae as a protein source in finfish culture. However, a review of knowledge on histopathology, haematology and microbial changes modulated by H. illucens larvae when incorporated as a feed ingredient in finfish aquaculture is not available. Therefore, this study reviews the effects on the histopathology, haematology and gut-microbial properties of finfish fed diet incorporated with H. illucens larvae. A review of different finfish species tested up to 100 % inclusion of H. illucens larvae meal in their diets revealed mixed results in blood chemistry, gut microbiota, and gut histology. Most studies stated common positive effects such as reduced plasma cholesterol levels, increased microbial diversity, and increased intestinal absorption up to 50 % incorporation level. Despite the possibility of incorporating H. illucens larvae meal without any negative impacts on some carnivore fish species, most studies disclosed adverse effects beyond 50 % fish meal replacement due to high chitin and crude fat levels in H. illucens larval diets.

Dietary Protein Replacement of Fish Meal with Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal: Effects on Growth, Whole-Body Composition, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Muscle-Growth-Related Gene Expression and Haemato-Biochemical Responses of Juvenile Goldfish, Carassius auratus

A 60-day indoor growth trial was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary replacement of fish meal (FM) protein with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) at graded concentrations on bio-growth parameters, whole-body chemical composition, digestive enzyme activity, muscle-growth-related gene expression and haemato-biochemical responses of goldfish (Carassius auratus) juveniles. Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated with BSFLM to substitute FM protein at 0 (T0), 20 (T20), 40 (T40), 60 (T60), and 80 (T80), and 100 % (T100). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 20 fish (Mean weight: 2.8±0.3 g) per aquaria were fed twice a day. Goldfish juveniles fed the T60 diet exhibited maximum growth and feed utilization. However, escalating the percentage of fishmeal substitution with BSFLM above 60 percent led to a significant reduction in growth and feed utilization. The protease activity and the haemoglobin (Hb) value were high in fishes fed with the T60 diet. The MyoD was upregulated in fish fed T40 and T60 diets, while the myostatin was downregulated in fish-fed T40 and T60 diets. Thus, the fishmeal protein substituted at 60% with BSFLM with an inclusion level of 201 g/kg of diet will be suitable for the goldfish juveniles.

PSXVI-13 Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Fish Meal, Defatted Black Soldier fly Larva Meal and Adult Black Soldier fly fed to Pigs

Abstract The objective was to determine standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in fish meal, defatted black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larva meal, and adult BSF fed to pigs. Eight barrows with an initial body weight of 72.6 kg (SD = 10.4) fitted with T-cannulas in the distal ileum were individually housed in pens that were equipped with a feeder and a nipple drinker. The pigs were allotted to a replicated 4 × 5 incomplete Latin square design with 4 diets and 5 periods. Three experimental diets containing fish meal (68.6% CP, 5.24% Lys, and 7.5% ether extract), defatted BSF larva meal (59.5% CP, 3.82% Lys, and 7.6% ether extract), and adult BSF (59.0% CP, 2.80% Lys, and 26.8% ether extract) as the sole source of AA were prepared. Additionally, a nitrogen-free diet was formulated to determine the basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. All diets contained 0.5% chromium oxide as an indigestible index. Each period consisted of 4 days of adaptation and 2 days of ileal digesta collection. The SID of CP in defatted BSF larva meal was less (73.8% vs. 88.3%; P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that in fish meal but was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that in adult BSF (56.1%). The SID of all indispensable AA except for Met and Phe in defatted BSF larva meal was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that in fish meal. The SID of all AA in defatted BSF larva meal was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that in adult BSF. In conclusion, AA in defatted BSF larva meal are less digestible than those in fish meal when fed to pigs but are more digestible than those in in adult BSF.

PSXV-18 Effects of Drying Methods for Black Soldier fly Larva Meals on in Vitro Nutrient Disappearance

Abstract The objective was to determine the effects of different drying methods on nutrient utilization of black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larva meals using in vitro assays. Two-step and 3-step in vitro assays were employed to simulate the gastrointestinal tract of pigs. Four methods were used to obtain BSF larva meal sources: 1) microwave-drying for 32 min, 2) hot-air drying at 60°C for 17 h, 3) water blanching for 5 min and hot-air drying for 17 h, and 4) 2% citric acid solution blanching for 5 min and hot-air drying for 17 h. After the drying process, each BSF larva was defatted and ground to obtain BSF larva meals. The crude protein (CP) concentration in the test ingredients ranged from 54.7 to 60.4% on dry matter (DM) basis and ether extract ranged from 7.1 to 11.8% DM. Hot-air-dried BSF larva meal had greater in vitro ileal disappearance (IVID) of CP compared with microwave-dried BSF larva meal (86.7% vs. 84.4%; P &amp;lt; 0.05). However, blanching BSF larva in water or 2% citric acid solution before hot-air drying resulted in less IVID of CP (81.3 or 82.5%; P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with microwave-dried or hot-air-dried BSF larva meal. Blanching BSF larva in water or 2% citric acid solution before hot-air drying resulted in less in vitro total tract disappearance of DM (85.0% or 84.5% vs. 90.4% or 89.6%; SEM = 0.3, P &amp;lt; 0.05) and OM (80.6% or 81.5% vs. 85.7% or 86.6%; SEM = 0.1, P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with microwave-dried or hot-air-dried BSF larva meal. In conclusion, hot-air-dried BSF larva meal had greater nutrient utilization compared with microwave-dried BSF larva meal. However, blanching BSF larva in water or citric acid solution negatively affected nutrient digestibility based on in vitro assays.

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

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 &amp;lt; 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.

PSXIII-B-1 Black Soldier fly Larvae Were More Digestible Than Adult Flies, and Nutrient Disappearance in Black Soldier fly Larvae can be Predicted Using Acid Detergent Fiber Based on in Vitro Assays for Pigs

Abstract The objectives were to evaluate the nutrient utilization of fish meal, black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae, and adult BSF meal and to develop equations for estimating in vitro nutrient disappearance of BSF larvae for pigs. Two-step and 3-step in vitro procedures were used to simulate the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs. In Exp. 1, defatted BSF larva meal had less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in vitro ileal disappearance (IVID) of dry matter (DM; 81.2% vs. 91.6% and 61.6%) and crude protein (CP; 81.8% vs. 92.2% and 67.2%) and in vitro total tract disappearance (IVTTD) of DM (82.6% vs. 93.6% and 65.7%) and organic matter (OM; 78.1% vs. 91.5% and 63.2%) than fish meal and greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) values than adult BSF. In Exp. 2, CP concentrations in BSF larvae were negatively correlated with ether extract (r = −0.91) but positively correlated with acid detergent fiber (ADF; r = 0.98) and chitin (r = 0.95). Acid detergent fiber and chitin concentrations in BSF larvae were negatively correlated with IVID of DM (r = −0.98 and −0.88) and CP (r = −0.87 and −0.84) and IVTTD of DM (r = −1.00 and −0.94) and OM (r = −0.99 and −0.98). Equations for in vitro nutrient disappearance of BSF larvae using ADF (% DM) as an independent variable were developed: IVID of CP, % = −0.95×ADF + 95 (r2 = 0.75 and P = 0.058) and IVTTD of OM, % = −2.60×ADF + 115 (r2 = 0.98 and P &amp;lt; 0.01). In conclusion, in vitro nutrient utilization of defatted BSF larva meal was less compared with fish meal but was greater compared with adult flies and in vitro nutrient utilization of BSF larvae can be predicted using ADF as an independent variable.

PSXVI-16 Standardized Total Tract Digestibility of Phosphorus in Black Soldier fly Larvae fed to Pigs

Abstract The objective of the present study was to determine standardized total tract digestibility of phosphorus (P) in black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larvae fed to pigs. Test ingredients were fish meal (66.2% crude protein, 9.2% ether extract, and 2.63% P), 3 sources of defatted BSF larva meal (43.1 to 59.2% crude protein, 8.6 to 13.2% ether extract, and 0.91 to 1.06% P), and a source of full-fat BSF larva (34.2% crude protein, 36.0% ether extract, and 0.70% P). Six barrows with an initial mean body weight of 78.1 kg (SD = 1.0) were individually housed in metabolism crates. Six diets were assigned to the 6 pigs in a 6 × 7 Latin square design with 7 periods resulting in 7 replicates for each treatment. Five experimental diets contained fish meal, defatted BSF larva meal, or full-fat BSF larva at 25% as the sole source of P. Additionally, a P-free diet mainly based on corn starch, sucrose, and gelatin was also prepared to estimate the basal endogenous losses of P. After a 4-day adaptation period, feces were collected for 4 days according to the marker-to-marker procedure. Apparent total tract digestibility of P in full-fat BSF larva (61.9%) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that in 2 sources of defatted BSF larva meal (34.8% and 31.5%). Standardized total tract digestibility of P in full-fat BSF larva (71.8%) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that in fish meal (51.0%) or 2 sources of defatted BSF larva meal (41.0% and 38.9%). The basal endogenous losses of P were estimated to be 189 ± 62 mg per kg dry matter intake. In conclusion, P in defatted BSF larva meal was less digestible compared with full-fat BSF larva.

Evaluating the growth and cost-benefit analysis of feeding improved indigenous chicken with diets containing black soldier fly larva meal.

The high cost of feed has been the major hindrance to a hindrance to the growth, sustainability, profitability, and expansion of poultry production. Black soldier fly larva (BSFL) meal is one of the most promising alternative protein sources widely accepted globally. This study evaluated the growth performance of improved indigenous chicken (IIC)-fed diets containing different inclusion levels of BSFL meals. The BSFL meal inclusion rates included 0% (Diet0), 5% (Diet1), 10% (Diet2), 15% (Diet3), and 20% (Diet4) as replacement to the expensive fish meal in chick and grower diets. Our results showed that diet significantly affected the average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and average daily weight gain of the chicks. The average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio, except average daily feed intake of the growers, was not significantly affected by diets. The gross profit margin, cost-benefit ratio, and return on investment of feeding birds with BSFL meal varied significantly. The highest cost-benefit ratio of 2.12 was recorded for birds fed on Diet4. Our findings demonstrate that insect-based feeds can successfully and cost-effectively replace fish meal up to 20% without compromising the growth performance of the birds. Therefore, BSFL meal could be incorporated as an essential part of poultry feed production for IIC, potentially reducing the total feed cost while maintaining optimal production and reducing the cost of meat and egg products.