Effect of fermented laying hen manure and starter feed as growing media on black soldier fly larvae development

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the development of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae when reared on different feeding media, specifically using varying ratios of fermented laying hen manure and starter feed. The study employed a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were as follows: T0: 100% fermented laying hen manure, T1: 75% fermented laying hen manure + 25% laying hen starter feed, T2: 50% fermented laying hen manure + 50% laying hen starter feed, T3: 25% fermented laying hen manure + 75% laying hen starter feed, and T4: 100% laying hen starter feed. Parameters measured in the study included larvae length and larvae width at 10 and 17 days. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by the Duncan post-hoc test. The study demonstrated that BSF larvae were successfully reared on growing media comprising 100% fermented laying hen manure (T0). However, the development of larvae in T0 remained relatively low. Notably, the use of laying hen starter feed particularly at 75% (T3) and 100% (T4) significantly improved (P<0.05) all larvae development parameters. It can be concluded that the Black Soldier Fly has significant potential as a bioconversion agent for laying hen manure. Moreover, the use of laying hen starter feed can be considered as a supplemental feeding media to enhance larvae development of Black Soldier Fly.