Valorization of black soldier fly Hermetia illucens larvae as an alternative protein source for post-weaning piglet nutrition

Agriculture significantly impacts the environment and human health through greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication of natural habitats, land-use competition, pesticide and antibiotic use, and the spread of diseases. Globally, food losses and waste account for one-third of agricultural production, even as many countries face food insecurity. The valorization and treatment of bio-waste present an opportunity to address these critical challenges. The use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has recently emerged as a novel method to convert bio-waste into high-quality protein and lipid sources.
The feasibility of BSFL production based on the collection of bio-waste for feeding post-weaning piglets was assessed.
A total of 4,730 kg of organic fruits and vegetables, bread, and brewery by-products were collected from local stores and breweries, yielding 555 kg of wet larvae. After being dried and defatted, and based on their profiles in lipids, fatty acids, proteins, amino acids, ash, carbohydrates, and digestibility, the processed insect proteins were used to formulate piglet diets with varying levels of soybean replacement.
The post-weaning piglet trial will aim to determine the inclusion rate of BSFL proteins that provides a viable alternative from both zootechnical and economic perspectives.