Assessing the effect of livestock dung and domestic organic waste as substrates on the growth performance of black soldier fly larvae.

Abstract

Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) is increasingly recognized for their dual role as a sustainable protein source for agriculture and aquaculture feeds and as an efficient method for organic waste disposal. This study aimed to assess the effects of two different substrates—Livestock Dung (LSD) and Domestic Waste (DW)—on the growth performance of BSFL over a 14-day period. A controlled experimental setup was designed to evaluate the influence of these substrates on various growth parameters of BSFL, including length, girth, weight, survival rates, and feed conversion ratios (FCR). Larvae were reared on both substrates, and their growth performance was assessed at regular intervals using calibrated instruments, such as digital calipers and scales. The data were recorded systematically to ensure accuracy. Substrate consumption rates were measured to calculate FCR, and substrate mass was monitored over time to quantify substrate utilization. Ethical guidelines were adhered to throughout the research, ensuring the welfare of the larvae. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate how different organic substrates (LSD and DW) affect the growth and development of BSFL, with the goal of identifying the most effective substrate for optimizing larval growth and feed efficiency. The findings from this study can inform future efforts in BSFL cultivation, supporting both sustainable protein production and organic waste management. The findings revealed that larvae reared on DW exhibited significantly greater growth compared to those reared on LSD. On average, larvae grown on DW achieved a mean length of 1.280 cm, a girth of 0.472 cm, and a weight of 0.278 g, compared to 1.116 cm, 0.410 cm, and 0.230 g for those on LSD (p < 0.001). The survival rate for larvae reared on DW was also significantly higher at 95%, compared to 85% for those on LSD (p < 0.01). Moreover, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was more favourable for DW, with a mean FCR of 1.5, while larvae on LSD had an FCR of 1.9 (p< 0.05). The study demonstrated a clear positive correlation between substrate quality and larval growth performance, with DW yielding superior growth metrics. This research shows that domestic waste (DW) significantly enhances the growth, survival rates, and feed conversion of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) compared to livestock dung (LSD), making DW the preferred substrate for future farming. Prioritizing DW not only improves BSFL production but also promotes effective recycling of c.