Nutrition and health protection of black soldier fly larvae
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56617/att.7529Keywords:
Black soldier fly larvae, Hermetia illucens, insect-based protein feed, bioconversion, nutritionAbstract
Background: the black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSF) is the most important farmed insect species in the European Union with a growing importance in animal nutrition. Objectives: this study aims to evaluate the growth performance and behaviour of BSF larvae reared in a feeding system under optimal conditions by feeding substrates made of different by-products allowed by the EU framework. Results: although the insect species is saprophytic and can grow on almost any organic material (such as vegetal waste, animal manure and products of animal origin, food waste, agricultural by-products, or straw), insects reared in large-scale production must comply with EU and national legislation. Within the EU, BFS larvae are considered as farmed animals and the provisions of the feed ban apply. The legislation specifies the materials that can be used for feeding the insects. These by-products are low-protein, low-value feedstocks generated during food production that would otherwise end up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the legal environment, emphasis should also be placed on the effects of industrial farming (e.g., health and welfare). A special feature is that the larvae can process feed mixtures with a moisture content of 60-80%. The breeding of BSF can be affected by various pathogens and parasites. High temperatures improve the larvae's resistance to Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5. The red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) causes serious damage and may result in the destruction of the colony. Recent research has also identified viruses (e.g., HiTV1), nematodes, fungi, and bacteria (e.g., Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus) that can cause soft rot and high larval mortality. Conclusions: the nutritional composition and growth performance of BSF larvae are significantly influenced by the substrates that are used. The nutrient content and quality of the substrate fed by the larvae are also a key factor for feed and food safety. The gut microbiota of insects plays an important role in bioconversion processes, as well as in insect health and performance.
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