An open system for farming black soldier fly larvae as a source of proteins for smallscale poultry and fish production

Abstract

The utilisation of insect as ingredients for animal feeds has gained considerable interest recently. For example, the potential of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) larvae as a cheap alternative protein source for animal feeds seems to show promising perspectives, especially for poultry and aquaculture feeds. In the present study, we sought to establish the wild availability of BSF in Bondo area of Western Kenya, and to develop appropriate methods for larvae farming for utilisation in smallholder farming systems using organic waste substrates. Using an open system involving a larvae feeding structure, study results showed that BSF is native to the study area with higher production observed on substrates of plant origin compared to those of animal origin. Proximate, mineral and vitamin analysis showed that wild BSF larvae contained: 40% crude protein, 33% crude fat, 15% ash, 12% crude fibre, 0.56% manganese, 3.07% sodium, 0.57% iron, 2.27% potassium, 0.24 mg/100 g thiamin, 2.2 mg/100 g riboflavin and 1.3 mg/100 g vitamin E. This nutritional profile of the wild BSF larvae indicates its potential to serve as a cheap and sustainable substitute protein source. We therefore recommend small-scale poultry and fish farmers to adopt the identified methods for its cultivation as a way of lowering production costs and also contributing to environmental hygiene and sanitation.