Composition of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens): A comparative study across three different rearing substrates and two different drying methods
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Global Journal of Fisheries Science
Abstract
The development of the aquaculture sector in Nigeria has been slowed by the growing cost of feed
ingredients, particularly fish meal. It is becoming more and more common to produce Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens)
larvae (BSFL) as insect meal and a sustainable substitute for conventional animal feed sources. However, there is limited
information on the best suited substrate for the commercial production of BSFL. Hence, the nutrient composition of BSFL
meal was assessed utilizing several substrates and drying methods. The BSFL were grown on three distinct organic
wastes of wheat bran (WB), maize bran (CB), and varied fruit wastes (FW) for 13 days, at UI-FAO insectarium, Department
of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan. Oven and sun-drying techniques were used to process
the reared BSFL. Compositions of the larvae raised on three distinct types of organic garbage were assessed and
statistically examined. Larvae raised on wheat bran/sundried (WB/SD) had the maximum protein content (60.78%),
whereas those raised on fruit waste/oven dried (FR/OD) had the lowest value (29.70%). Larvae raised on fruit waste/oven
dried (FR/OD) had higher levels of vitamin A, C, and D, whereas those raised on wheat-bran/oven dried (WB/OD) had the
lowest levels. Larvae raised on wheat-bran substrate had significantly different (p˂0.05) levels of alanine. No statistical
differences were observed in copper values of the larvae reared on the three substrates. The larvae raised on a wheat
bran substrate had greater levels of potassium and zinc compared to the larvae reared on assorted fruit waste and corn
bran substrates. The results revealed wheat bran as the best substrate, and black soldier fly larvae were identified as a
possible sustainable supply of protein in aquaculture. Consequently, it is advised that black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) be
raised on wheat bran substrate and processed via the sun-drying method, which is a preferable substrate and drying
method.