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The hidden drivers: Unraveling the impact of density, moisture, and scale on Hermetia illucens rearing

Summary

This study investigates how to optimally rear black soldier fly larvae using leftover mushroom growing material as feed. Researchers tested different moisture levels, densities of larvae, and production scales to find the best conditions for growing high-quality larvae efficiently. The findings show that using 75% moisture with about 250 larvae per container produces the best results, though larger-scale production requires different adjustments than small laboratory experiments.

Background

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae are saprophagous insects known for bioconverting organic waste and offering environmental benefits. Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) from edible mushroom production is an abundant underutilized resource. However, knowledge on optimized rearing methods using SMS is limited, particularly regarding the effects of moisture, larval density, and production scale.

Objective

To investigate the impact of substrate moisture, larval density, and experimental scale on growth performance and feed conversion efficiency of Hermetia illucens larvae reared on a mixture of spent mushroom substrate and chicken feed.

Results

Optimal results were achieved at 75% substrate moisture with 250 larvae per 100g DM (approximately 2 larvae/cm²), producing average individual larval weights of 233.3mg fresh matter and FCR of 1.8. Scale experiments revealed significant differences in performance, with the 100g scale yielding the highest individual larval weight (166.5mg FM) while the 50g scale achieved the highest substrate reduction (33.2%). Larger scales showed decreased survival rates and reduced substrate reduction efficiency.

Conclusion

Substrate moisture, larval density, and production scale are critical interdependent factors influencing BSF larvae performance. Optimization requires adjusting these parameters based on specific substrates and their physical properties. Results from small-scale studies may not directly translate to larger scales, emphasizing the need for scale-up validation before industrial production.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39775753, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317049
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