Composition of Defatted and Non-Defatted Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal: Alternative for Fish Feeds

Abstract

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal has been considered as a great source of animal protein for animals. Nutrient composition of the larvae varies according to the substrate used in rearing the larvae and the processing techniques. This study was conducted to investigate the nutrient composition of full-fatted and processed (defatted and non-defatted) black soldier fly larvae meal. The larvae reared on wheat bran substrate were collected from Food and Agriculture Organization, University of Ibadan (FAO/UI) black soldier fly larvae culturing unit, sacrificed with hot water, rinsed and divided into full-fatted and processed (defatted and non-defatted) groups. The defatted group was mechanically pressed by squeezer to remove the fat content and the non-defatted group was not contacted. Both defatted and non-defatted groups were independently subjected to oven and sundried procedures. Chemical compositions of the full-fatted larvae meal, defatted oven-dried larvae, defatted sun-dried larvae, non-defatted oven-dried larvae and non-defatted sun-dried larvae were determined and statistically analysed.  The research revealed black soldier fly larvae meal as a viable alternative to use as an animal protein source in fish feed formulation. Additionally, the nutritional composition revealed sun-dried processing method as the best method to remove the black soldier fly larvae lipid.