Effect of different waste substrates on the growth, development andproximate composition of black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) larvae

Abstract

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are a potentially sustainable source of protein for use as agriculture and aquaculture feeds, and a constructive means of disposing of organic wastes. Optimizing larval culture of these larvae depends on the refinement of husbandry methods. Towards this objective we investigated the use of different substrates on larval performance and proximate composition. Feeding and growth of BSFL on hotel wastes (HW), market wastes (MW) and mixed market and hotel wastes (MHW) were evaluated, with analysis of the efficiency of substrate consumption and waste load reduction. Mixed market and hotel wastes led to less larval production than either of the individual feed substrates (p< 0.05). Larvae aged < 3 days consumed waste loads substantially faster than older larvae and larvae feeding on hotel wastes grew faster and pupated earlier than those in the other two treatment groups (p < 0.05). Crude protein content was significantly higher in larvae reared on the mixed substrate. Mixed waste substrates is recommended as a preferable choice for BSFL production for farming purposes.