Black Solider Fly: A New Vista for Waste Management and Animal Feed
Handling urban waste poses a significant environmental challenge in many low- and middle-income countries, and this problem is intensifying as urban populations continue to grow. As environmental concerns gain momentum, experts are actively exploring innovative approaches to manage city waste more efficiently and sustainably, guided by the principles of a circular economy.
Photo Source: Gabriella Papa
BSF as a Novel Solution for Organic Waste Management
A novel approach to managing organic waste is the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens. These larvae efficiently reduce waste volume. In addition, they improve the nutrient profile of materials such as swine manure.
As a result, the treated material becomes more similar to poultry manure. This improves farm hygiene. Moreover, it helps reduce pest fly populations and nutrient runoff.
BSF larvae also influence microbial communities. For example, they can reduce harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica.
Alternative Applications in Animal Feed and Agriculture
Producing enough BSF larvae to feed swine directly can be challenging. However, they offer valuable alternative uses.
For instance, they serve as a high-quality protein source for fish feed. At the same time, the remaining residue can support horticulture. This allows plants to grow even in poor soils or sand.
Photo Source: Daniel Bardsley
Valorization of Organic Waste Streams
BSF larvae can thrive on various organic waste streams. Notably, they can process slaughterhouse blood and offal.
Therefore, they contribute to the valorization of waste from food production. In addition, this versatility allows them to support multiple animal feed systems.
Importantly, this does not compromise their acceptability in the food chain. These developments are especially relevant for sustainable agriculture in developing regions.
Regulatory Developments and Future Outlook
Regulatory agencies are gradually approving BSF proteins in animal feed. In particular, their use in poultry and aquaculture is expanding.
The goal is to replace traditional protein sources such as soybean meal and fishmeal. These ingredients often have high environmental impacts.
In comparison, BSF larvae offer similar nutritional value. As a result, they present a more sustainable alternative for future feed systems.
| % in dry matter (DM) | BSF larvae | Fish meal | Soy meal |
| Crude protein | 56.9 | 70.6 | 51.8 |
| Lipid | 26.0 | 9.9 | 2.0 |
| Calcium | 7.56 | 4.34 | 0.39 |
| Phosphorus | 0.90 | 2.79 | 0.69 |
| Ca : P ratio | 8.4 | 1.56 | 0.57 |
| Amino acids | BSF larvae | Fish meal | Soymeal |
| Essential | |||
| Methionine | 2.1 | 2.7 | 1.32 |
| Cystine | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.8 |
| Valine | 8.2 | 4.9 | 4.50 |
| Isoleucine | 5.1 | 4.2 | 4.16 |
| Leucine | 7.9 | 7.2 | 7.58 |
| Phenylalanine | 5.2 | 3.9 | 5.16 |
| Tyrosine | 6.9 | 3.1 | 3.35 |
| Histidine | 3.0 | 2.4 | 3.06 |
| Lysine | 6.6 | 7.5 | 6.18 |
| Threonine | 3.7 | 4.1 | 3.78 |
| Tryptophan | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.36 |
| Non-essential | |||
| Serine | 3.1 | 3.9 | 5.18 |
| Arginine | 5.6 | 6.2 | 7.64 |
| Glutamic acid | 10.9 | 12.6 | 19.92 |
| Aspartic acid | 11.0 | 9.1 | 14.14 |
| Proline | 6.6 | 4.2 | 5.99 |
| Glycine | 5.7 | 6.4 | 4.52 |
| Alanine | 7.7 | 6.3 | 4.54 |
Information
- Link for data source: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2019.801.142
- Qifa Yao is head of training at the insect school, Horst, Netherlands – https://www.insectschool.com/
- If you want to learn more: 3-DAY ONSITE TRAINING – Insect School
Comments on this post
Comment posted by Claire Lafave:
Hi there!
I work for a small carbon project developer, and I’m interested in better understanding the opportunity to operationalize and commercialize BSF composting systems in the U.S. Are there folks you would recommend I connect with?
All best,
Claire
