22 Sep 2022
Insects represent a potential alternative protein source for animal diets. As the world’s population increases, protein source are becoming more scarce.
That’s why there is an imperative need to find new protein sources to replace traditional soybean meal and fishmeal.
Therefore, researchers have focused their attention on edible insects as a potential protein alternative that can meet such needs.
| Black soldier fly (BSFL) larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) are rich in nutrients such as fats, proteins, and high-quality amino acids and minerals, making them a good source of protein. |
They are saprophytic insects that mainly feed on organic waste such as: vegetable waste, animal manure and waste, food waste, agricultural by-products or straw.
| BSFL are excellent alternative proteins sources for human and animal consumption. Their capacity to feed on organic waste presents great potential to help reduce pollution. |
In the process of waste degradation, they convert organic waste into amino acids, peptides, proteins, oils, chitin and vitamins, thus controlling certain harmful bacteria (such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli) and pests.These are also used in medicine, chemistry and various animal feeds (mainly for pets, pigs and poultry).
Supplementing BSFL in livestock feed can help reduce manure excretion by 60%. In addition, larvae can break down more than 50% of chicken manure and convert it into high-quality amino acids, proteins and fats that can be used in animal feed. Which reduces production costs significantly.
BSFL are also rich in minerals and chitin and possess antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.
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