The potential of using different substrates in producing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae used as a feed supplement in livestock production

Abstract

A study was conducted on potential of using substrates in producing Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae used as feed supplement in livestock production. The objectives were to: establish the nutrient composition substrates; determine the influence of selected substrate types and quantities on growth of BSF larvae; determine the influence of selected substrate types and quantities on protein of BSF larvae. Nutrient composition was determined by testing for crude protein (CP), carbohydrates and crude fat. Growth was determined by measuring weight and length of BSF larvae. Laboratory analysis of protein was used to determine protein of the larvae. Data were analyzed using a two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Lowest Significant Difference (LSD) used to separate means. Across substrates, Mixed substrate (MS) recorded the highest crude protein, carbohydrate and crude fat as follows; 7.33%, 45% and 9.60% respectively. Brewers’ waste (CONTROL) also recorded high values for crude protein, carbohydrate and crude fat as follows; 12.07%, 58.7% and 9.0% respectively. Brewers’ waste (CONTROL), Jack fruit waste (JFW) and Mixed substrates (MS) recorded the highest length of the larvae of 10.06%, 10.30% and 11.33% respectively (P<0.05), at 750g and 1000g of substrates. MS and JFW had the highest weight of 0.318g/FM and 0.212g/FM respectively (P<0.05), at 1000g of substrate. BW and MS had the highest Survival rate (SR) of 96.19% and 96.01% respectively (P<0.05). According to the values, CONTROL had higher CP compared with RC of 19.19% and 17.89% respectively (p<0.05). The findings showed that MS and RC significantly influenced growth and protein of BSF larvae respectively.