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Growth of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Reared on Organic Side-Streams

Author

Listed:
  • Laurens Broeckx

    (RADIUS, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium)

  • Lotte Frooninckx

    (RADIUS, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium)

  • Laurien Slegers

    (RADIUS, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium)

  • Siebe Berrens

    (RADIUS, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium)

  • Isabelle Noyens

    (RADIUS, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium)

  • Sarah Goossens

    (RADIUS, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium)

  • Geert Verheyen

    (RADIUS, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium)

  • Ann Wuyts

    (RADIUS, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium)

  • Sabine Van Miert

    (RADIUS, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium)

Abstract

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae may play a role in a circular economy by upcycling low-value organic streams into high value biomass. In this paper, the capacity of BSF larvae to process 12 organic side-streams (mono-streams) and two standard substrates (chicken start mash and Gainesville diet) was investigated. Survival, larval mass, feed conversion ratio, and waste reduction were evaluated in relation to the proximate composition of the side-streams used. Survival rates larger than 80% were observed for 10 of the organic mono-streams and the two standard substrates. Maximum mean larval weight ranged from 38.3 mg up to 176.4 mg regardless of high survival and was highly correlated with substrate crude protein content. Feed conversion ratio (range 1.58–8.90) and waste reduction (range 17.0–58.9%) were similar to values reported in other studies in the literature. On low protein substrates (e.g., apple pulp), survival rates remained high, however, possibly due to protein deficiency, limited larval growth was observed. It is concluded that several low value organic side-streams can successfully be processed by BSF larvae, thereby opening the possibility of lowering the costs of BSF farming. Potentially mixing nutritionally distinct mono-streams into a mixed substrate might improve BSF performance. However, more research is needed for optimizing diets to guarantee production of BSF larvae of constant yield and quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Laurens Broeckx & Lotte Frooninckx & Laurien Slegers & Siebe Berrens & Isabelle Noyens & Sarah Goossens & Geert Verheyen & Ann Wuyts & Sabine Van Miert, 2021. "Growth of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Reared on Organic Side-Streams," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:23:p:12953-:d:685732
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mario de Bono & David M. Tobin & M. Wayne Davis & Leon Avery & Cornelia I. Bargmann, 2002. "Social feeding in Caenorhabditis elegans is induced by neurons that detect aversive stimuli," Nature, Nature, vol. 419(6910), pages 899-903, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Finbarr G. Horgan & Michael Launders & Enrique A. Mundaca & Eduardo Crisol-Martínez, 2023. "Effects of Intraspecific Competition and Larval Size on Bioconversion of Apple Pomace Inoculated with Black Soldier Fly," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Finbarr G. Horgan & Dylan Floyd & Enrique A. Mundaca & Eduardo Crisol-Martínez, 2023. "Spent Coffee Grounds Applied as a Top-Dressing or Incorporated into the Soil Can Improve Plant Growth While Reducing Slug Herbivory," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-21, January.
    3. Siebe Lievens & Giulia Poma & Lotte Frooninckx & Tom Van der Donck & Jin Won Seo & Jeroen De Smet & Adrian Covaci & Mik Van Der Borght, 2022. "Mutual Influence between Polyvinyl Chloride (Micro)Plastics and Black Soldier Fly Larvae ( Hermetia illucens L.)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-14, September.

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