Performance, egg quality and organ traits of laying hens fed black soldier fly larvae products.

Due to consumer demands and institutional pressure, the egg production sector, is looking for alternative protein sources for laying hen feed to support more sustainable, circular production. black soldier fly (BSF) larvae could be used as a protein source. In addition to protein the larvae contain large quantities of fat and can either be fed to laying hens unprocessed (alive) or processed (meal and oil). The current study was performed with 560 Brown Nick laying hens from 20 to 27 wk of age. The laying hens were divided over 5 treatments, each replicated 8 times. Treatments consisted of standard laying hen feed (control) and standard feed in which soybean meal was partly exchanged with live BSF larvae or BSF larvae meal and oil combined, at 2 inclusion levels. During the experiment production parameters, egg-quality, and length and weight of various organs were measured. Laying hens fed BSF larvae products consumed less feed compared to those of the control group. Most egg production parameters were similar, however laying hens fed diets with BSF larvae meal plus oil produced eggs with lower egg weight during the last 2 wk of the experiment, compared to the control group. All egg-quality characteristics remained the same across treatments, except for darker yolk colors when feeding BSF meal and oil and high inclusion of live BSF larvae. This is a favorable characteristic for European consumers. The weight of intestinal organs was largely unaffected by the treatments. The jejunum and ileum weight of laying hens fed live larvae was lower compared to the control group. As FCRs were similar or improved compared to the control group, we assume that nutrient utilization was not impaired. For most detected differences the type of BSF larvae product (live larvae or meal plus oil) rather than inclusion level was of significance.

Mealworm larvae and black soldier fly larvae as novel protein supplements for cattle consuming low-quality forage.

The global population is projected to increase, indicating that there will be greater demand for animal protein to meet the associated food needs. This demand will place additional pressure on livestock systems to increase output while also minimizing natural resource inputs. Insect protein has emerged as a potential alternative to conventional protein feeds, such as soybean meal. Mealworm larvae (MWL; Tenebrio molitor) have been studied in poultry and swine as an alternative protein source; however, there is no research currently evaluating MWL for cattle. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL; Hermetia illucens) have also received attention for their potential use in livestock feed due to their scalability and nutritional value, but research in cattle is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of whole-dried MWL and defatted BSFL as protein supplements for cattle consuming forage. Five ruminally cannulated steers were utilized in a 5 × 5 Latin square experiment to determine how MWL and BSFL supplementations affect forage utilization. Steers consuming ad libitum low-quality forage (76.5% neutral detergent fiber [NDF], 4.2% crude protein) were provided one of the five treatments each period: 1) control with no supplement (CON), 2) soybean meal (CONV), 3) BSFL, 4) MWL, or 5) 50/50 by-weight blend of BSFL and MWL (MIX). All treatments were provided at 100 mg N/kg BW and periods included 8 d for treatment adaptation, 5 d for intake and digestion, and 1 d for ruminal fermentation measures. Protein supplementation stimulated forage organic matter intake (FOMI; P ≤ 0.01) relative to CON (3.28 kg/d). There was a significant difference in FOMI (P ≤ 0.01) between BSFL (4.30 kg/d) and CONV (4.71 kg/d), but not between CONV and MWL (P = 0.06, 4.43 kg/d). Total digestible OM intake (TDOMI) was also stimulated by the provision of protein (P ≤ 0.01), from 1.94 kg/d for CON to an average of 3.24 kg/d across protein supplements. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) and NDF digestibility (NDFD) were not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.37), for an average OMD of 66.5% and NDFD of 62.7%. There was also no treatment effect on ruminal volatile fatty acid (P = 0.96) or ammonia-N (P = 0.22) concentrations. These data indicate that MWL may stimulate forage utilization by beef cattle to a greater extent than BSFL, but both are viable protein supplements.

Effects of brewery by-products on growth performance, bioconversion efficiency, nutritional profile, and microbiota and mycobiota of black soldier fly larvae.

Brewery by-products are recognised as suitable rearing substrates for Hermetia illucens, better known as black soldier fly (BSF) but information about the impact of different ratios of brewer's spent grains (BSG) and brewer's spent yeast (BSY) are still scarce. This study evaluated the effects of BSG-BSY-based diets on BSF larval growth, survival, bioconversion efficiency, nutritional profile, and microbiota and mycobiota. A total of 3 000 6-day-old BSF larvae were allotted to five dietary treatments (six replicate boxes/diet, 100 larvae/box): (i) BSY2.5 (25 g/kg of BSY+975 g/kg of BSG), (ii) BSY5 (50 g/kg of BSY+950 g/kg of BSG), (iii) BSY7.5 (75 g/kg of BSY+925 g/kg of BSG), (iv) BSY10 (100 g/kg of BSY+900 g/kg of BSG), and (v) control (Gainesville diet). Larval weight and substrate pH were recorded every 4 days. At the end of the trial (5% of prepupae), bioconversion efficiency corrected for residue (BER), reduction rate (RR), and waste reduction index (WRI) were calculated, and the larval proximate composition, microbiota and mycobiota characterised. At 10 and 14 days of age, BSY7.5 and BSY10 larvae displayed higher weight than BSY2.5 and BSY5 (P < 0.05), with BSY10 larvae showing the highest weight among the BSG-BSY-based diets at the end of the trial (P < 0.05). The BSY7.5 and BSY10 larvae also displayed a better BER than BSY2.5 and BSY5 (P < 0.01), whereas similar RR, WRI, survival and development time, as well as pH, were, however, observed among the BSG-BSY-based diets (P > 0.05). The BSY10 larvae displayed lower ether extract content than the other BSG-BSY-based diets (P > 0.001). The use of BSG-BSY-based diets did not influence the alpha diversity of larval microbiota and mycobiota (P > 0.05), but a specific microbial signature was identified per each dietary treatment (Porphyromonadaceae [BSY5], Sphingomonas [BSY7.5], Bacillus [BSY10] and Ruminococcus and Myroides [BSG-BSY-based diets]; P < 0.05). Co-occurrence and co-exclusion analysis also showed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia excluded and favoured, respectively, the presence of Streptomyces and Fluviicola, while Clavispora lusitaniae was associated with Myroides (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BSG-BSY-based diets are suitable for rearing HI in terms of larval performance, nutritional profile, and microbiota and mycobiota, with 7.5 and 10% of BSY inclusion levels being able to improve larval growth and bioconversion efficiency.

The role of black soldier fly in eliminating the putrid odor of organic waste and its product application - A comprehensive review.

Organic waste including food garbage (FG) forms a major part of man-made problems that are highly associated with global pollution. This includes emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and foul odor which negatively affect human health. Interestingly, bioconversion of FG by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has been reported to reduce foul odors released from decaying FG. This paper will give overview on the potential of BSFL in lowering putrid odors from FGs. Thus, various bioconversion treatment methods of managing FG including were compared and discussed. The life cycle and role of BSF in reducing putrid odors from biowastes were also discussed in detail. Lastly, the potential utilization of BSFL in controlling odors and GHGs as well as the economic value of products derived from BSFL bioconversion were also discussed. BSFL inoculation slightly reduces odor compounds by modifying odor-producing compounds and microbes in FG. However, BSFL effectiveness is highly influenced by FG decomposition rate.

Turning black soldier fly rearing by-products into valuable materials: Valorisation through chitin and chitin nanocrystals production.

The industry of insect-based proteins as feed and food products has been encountering a huge development since the last decade, and industrial-scale factories are now arising worldwide. Among all the species studied, Black Soldier Fly is one of the most promising and farmed. This rearing activity generates several by-products in the form of chitin-rich biomass that can be valorised to keep a virtuous production cycle embedded in the scope of the bioeconomy. Herein, we report the isolation of chitin and, for the first time, chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) from all the BSF rearing by-products, i.e., moults (larval exuviae, puparium) and dead adults. Extraction yields, were dependent on the type of by-products and ranged from 5.8 % to 20.0 %, and the chemical structure of the extracts exhibited typical features of α-chitin, confirmed by FTIR, NMR, XRD and TGA analysis. Both STEM in SEM and AFM analysis confirmed the isolation of chitin nanocrystals presenting a rod-like morphology. The average nanocrystal height estimated by AFM ranged from 13 to 27 nm depending on the by-product sample. The following results highlighted the potential of BSF rearing by-products, promoting an approach to valorise those industrial waste and paving the way towards insect-based biorefinery.

Larval diet impacts black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) thermal tolerance and preference.

Thermal tolerance and preference are key parameters impacting agricultural production systems. In this study, the impact of larval diet on black soldier fly thermal tolerance and preference across life-stages and sexes was examined. Larvae were fed either a low-protein high-carbohydrate synthetic diet (i.e., P7C35), a high-protein low-carbohydrate synthetic diet (i.e., P35C7), or the Gainesville diet (i.e., C) as a control and reference. Our results demonstrate that the impacts of larval diet on black soldier fly thermal tolerance and preference could be stage and sex specific. The mean heat knockdown temperatures (HKT) ranged between 46.6 and 47.9 °C. Synthetic diets resulted in greater HKT and the difference decreased form larvae (e.g., ∼1 °C) to adults (e.g., ∼0.2 °C). The mean chill-coma recovery time (CCRT) ranged between 8.3 and 21.6 min. Not much differences were detected between diets, but CCRT became longer from larvae to adults. The mean thermal preference ranged between 13.6 and 29.5 °C. Larvae fed synthetic diets preferred much lower temperatures than the control diet. A bimodal distribution was observed for adults regardless of sex. Differences on body mass, lipid, and protein contents were detected among diets; however, more research should be done before any conclusions can be linked to their thermal traits. These findings highlight the importance of considering the ingredients and nutritional makeup of larval diets when optimizing temperature management protocols for mass production of black soldier flies. Conversely, specific diets can be developed to promote survival under extreme rearing temperatures.

Black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae reduce cyathostomin (Nematoda: Strongylidae) eggs but develop poorly on horse manure.

Cyathostomins are common digestive tract parasites of grazing horses that spread through contact with horse feces. Horse feces are colonized by a variety of organisms, some of which could serve to reduce parasite loads in horse pastures. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.; Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae (BSFL) could be an ideal candidate for biological control of cyathostomins, due to their near-global distribution, low risk of pathogen transmission, ability to develop on a variety of nutrient-poor substrates (including horse manure), and dramatic effect on microbial communities that cyathostomins depend on. Here, using controlled feeding bioassays, we evaluated the effect of BSFL on cyathostomin egg densities in horse manure while also tracking BSFL performance on manure relative to standard grain-based diets. We found that BSFL consumed less substrate, were slower to reach the prepupal stage, and ultimately yielded less biomass when reared on horse manure compared to grain-based diets. However, BSFL reduced average cyathostomin egg densities in horse manure by over 3-fold. Overall, our results suggest that despite horse manure being a poor substrate for BSFL growth, BSFL effectively reduce cyathostomin egg loads in infected horse manure, though the mechanisms by which they do this are uncertain. While BSFL are known to transform the microbial communities within a diversity of rearing substrates, their effect on larger, parasitic organisms in animal manures may be underappreciated. Promoting the decomposition of infected horse manure with BSFL might be a promising approach to managing parasite populations among grazing horses.

A unique combination of natural fatty acids from Hermetia illucens fly larvae fat effectively combats virulence factors and biofilms of MDR hypervirulent mucoviscus Klebsiella pneumoniae strains by increasing Lewis acid-base/van der Waals interactions in bacterial wall membranes.

Introduction: Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CR-Kp) are rapidly emerging as opportunistic pathogens that have a global impact leading to a significant increase in mortality rates among clinical patients. Anti-virulence strategies that target bacterial behavior, such as adhesion and biofilm formation, have been proposed as alternatives to biocidal antibiotic treatments to reduce the rapid emergence of bacterial resistance. The main objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of fatty acid-enriched extract (AWME3) derived from the fat of Black Soldier Fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) in fighting against biofilms of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and highly virulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) pathogens. Additionally, the study also aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying this effect. Methods: Crystal violet (CV) and ethidium bromide (EtBr) assays show how AWME3 affects the formation of mixed and mature biofilms by the KP ATCC BAA-2473, KPi1627, and KPM9 strains. AWME3 has shown exceptional efficacy in combating the hypermucoviscosity (HMV) virulent factors of KPi1627 and KPM9 strains when tested using the string assay. The rudimentary motility of MDR KPM9 and KP ATCC BAA-2473 strains was detected through swimming, swarming, and twitching assays. The cell wall membrane disturbances induced by AWME3 were detected by light and scanning electron microscopy and further validated by an increase in the bacterial cell wall permeability and Lewis acid-base/van der Waals characteristics of K. pneumoniae strains tested by MATS (microbial adhesion to solvents) method. Results: After being exposed to 0.5 MIC (0.125 mg/ml) of AWME3, a significant reduction in the rudimentary motility of MDR KPM9 and KP ATCC BAA-2473 strains, whereas the treated bacterial strains exhibited motility between 4.23 ± 0.25 and 4.47 ± 0.25 mm, while the non-treated control groups showed significantly higher motility ranging from 8.5 ± 0.5 to 10.5 ± 0.5 mm. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates the exceptional capability of the natural AWME3 extract enriched with a unique combination of fatty acids to effectively eliminate the biofilms formed by the highly drug-resistant and highly virulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) pathogens. Our results highlight the opportunity to control and minimize the rapid emergence of bacterial resistance through the treatment using AWME3 of biofilm-associated infections caused by hvKp and CRKp pathogens.

Detection of Known and Novel Virus Sequences in the Black Solider Fly and Expression of Host Antiviral Pathways.

The mass rearing of animals in close quarters can be highly conducive to microbe transmission, including pathogens. This has been shown multiple times in the case of important industrial insects such as crickets, silkworms, and honeybees. One industrial insect of increasing importance is the black soldier fly (Diptera: Hermetia illucens), as it can convert organic waste into high-quality protein and fatty acids. Along with this, they take up far less space than traditional protein sources, as millions of black soldier flies can be reared in a relatively small facility. Because of this, there is a growing interest in the pathogens that could impact black soldier fly-rearing efforts. So far, only three black soldier fly-associated viruses have been identified. We used metatranscriptomic sequencing to survey black soldier fly guts, frass, and diet for viruses. We detected sequences from two novel viruses. One, which we name Hermetia illucens sigma-like virus 1, is phylogenetically related to viruses of the genus Sigmavirus, which have been highly studied in Drosophila. The other novel virus, which we name Hermetia illucens inse-like virus 1, is the second double-stranded RNA virus of the order Ghabrivirales described in the black soldier fly, and groups within a new family of insect viruses called the Inseviridae. We also detected two black soldier fly-associated viruses previously identified by our group: BSF nairo-like virus 1 and BSF uncharacterized bunyavirus-like 1. Consistent with our previous study, these two viruses are found primarily in frass samples and occur together more often than expected at random. When analyzing host transcription, we found significant differences in gene expression for eight candidate antiviral genes in the black soldier fly when comparing samples with and without viral sequences. Our results suggest that black soldier fly-virus interactions are ongoing, and they could be of interest to black soldier fly producers.

A preliminary study on the effects of substituting fishmeal with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval meal on Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) juveniles: Growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient composition, disease resistance, and economic returns.

This study aims to develop an alternative aquafeed derived from insect meal for Lates calcarifer juveniles, with the objectives of exploring the physiological performance, biological parameters, and economic analysis of substituting fishmeal (FM) with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) as part of the diet of L. calcarifer juveniles. Five practical diets were formulated to include 0% (BSFL0, serves as control group), 5% (BSFL5), 10% (BSFL10), 15% (BSFL15), and 20% (BSFL20) of BSFL meal, partially or fully replacing FM, respectively. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 30 fish (10.70 ± 0.07 g) per tank (300 L). The fish were fed twice daily to apparent satiation. A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the impacts of defatted BSFL meal replacing FM on the growth performance, feed efficiency, composition analysis of fish muscle, cumulative mortality rate challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and economic returns of L. calcarifer. These results show that differences in weight gain and specific growth rate among the different treatments were statistically significant (p < 0.05), except for the absence of significant variation (p < 0.05) between BSFL0 and BSFL5, and followed by BSFL10 > BSFL0 > BSFL5 > BSFL15 > BSFL20. However, the feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio showed the opposite trend as above. Although the diets experienced a decline in crude protein content and an increase in crude fat content with the increasing proportion of BSFL substituting FM, the crude protein and fat content of fish muscle were only slightly influenced. It is worth mentioning that levels of nonessential amino acids, delicious amino acids, saturated fatty acids, omega-6, omega-9 in BSFL10 group all showed an increase compared with the control group. After a 7-day challenge test with V. parahaemolyticus, the cumulative mortality rates of the BSFL5 and BSFL10 groups, respectively, dropped to 5.20%, 5.28% compared to the control group's 16.88%; however, the mortality rates of BSFL15 (34.67%) and BSFL20 (41.77%) groups were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) increased. From an economic perspective, the incidence cost for each experimental group showed a trend as BSFL10 < BSFL0 < BSFL5 < BSFL15 < BSFL20, whereas the profit index in each treatment exhibited the opposite trend as above. It was concluded that low (5%) or moderate (10%) levels of BSFL substituting FM in aquaculture feed could improve the physiological performances, disease resistance, and economic returns of L. calcarifer. However, excessive substitution (>15%) leads to a negative effect. From an economic point of view, 10% inclusion of BSFL in practical diets is recommended for L. calcarifer juveniles.

Insect Larvae as an Alternate Protein Source in Poultry Feed Improve the Performance and Meat Quality of Broilers.

The primary challenge facing the global animal industry is the scarcity of protein feed resources. Various insects are gaining prominence as innovative feed sources due to their economic, environmentally friendly, and nutritious attributes. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of a partial replacement of soybean meal with fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on the growth performances, blood parameters, gut histology, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 350 1-day-old (40 ± 0.15 g) male chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to seven experimental meals. Each treatment was repeated five times with 50 birds per dietary treatment. The seven dietary treatments included 4, 8, and 12% replacements of SBM with larvae of S. frugiperda and H. illucens. SBM was the basal diet considered the control. The data showed that broilers fed 12% S. frugiperda or H. illucens exhibited a significantly higher (p < 0.05) live weight, average daily weight gain, and improved the feed conversion ratio. Meals with 12% S. frugiperda or H. illucens significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) haematological and gut histological parameters, including villus height, crypt depth, villus width, and villus height/crypt depth ratios. The meat of broilers fed the 12% S. frugiperda diet showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) lightness and yellowness. Replacing soybean meal up to 12% with either S. frugiperda or H. illucens larvae improves the growth performance, blood haematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality traits of broilers.

Effect of feeding black soldier fly larvae meal based diet on canine skin barrier function, organic antioxidant defence and blood biochemistry.

Black soldier fly meal in pet diets is gaining acceptance. This study aimed to assess the use of black soldier fly larvae defatted meal (BSFL) and its impact on blood parameters, biochemical markers, organic antioxidant capacity, skin barrier function and skin and coat quality. A cross-over study involved eight beagle dogs with two periods of 50 days each and a washout period of seven days in between. Two approximately iso-nutritive extruded diets were evaluated, the first containing 29.5% BSFL meal and a control diet containing 26% poultry by-product meal (PBP) as protein source. Skin and coat evaluations and blood collections were conducted before and after each period. Skin barrier function was assessed by measurement of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) in belly and pinna of the dogs on days 0, 15, 30, and 45 of each period. A trend for higher antioxidant effect significant reduction in serum scavenging capacity was found with PBP for BSFL diet trough malondialdehyde and Vitamin E measurement in dog's serum 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. When fed PBP diet dogs exhibited reduction in serum cholesterol triglycerides and decreased LDL levels after 50 days, while dogs fed BSFL presented significant reduction in ALT. TEWL was significantly reduced in belly and pinna over time when dogs were fed BSFL, and TEWL in belly was significantly lower in dogs fed BSFL in comparison to PBP. while Increased SCH was also higher for the BSFL group observed in the same along the feeding period in comparison to PBP, indicating improved ability of the dogs to retain water and keep skin moisture. Improvement skin barrier function could be related to fatty acids from BSFL and increased sebaceous lipids in skin. These are responsible for to avoid water loss and improve skin protection against microbial insults. Inclusion of BSFL as protein source did not promote negative changes in blood biochemistry and had minor antioxidant effect in healthy dogs. However, it proved effective in improving skin barrier function, making BSFL a valuable alternative protein source for dogs, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies manifesting on the skin.

Resource Utilization of Residual Organic Sludge Generated from Bioenergy Facilities Using Hermetia illucens Larvae.

Residual organic sludge generated from bioenergy facilities (BF-rOS) is often disposed instead of recycled, thus contributing to further environmental pollution. This study explored the resource utilization of BF-rOS using Hermetia illucens larvae (BSFL). When BF-rOS was fed to BSFL for two weeks, the dry weight per individual BSFL was approximately 15% of that of BSFL that were fed food waste (FW). However, the dry weight increased by approximately two-fold in BSFL that were fed effective microorganism (EM)-supplemented BF-rOS containing 60% moisture. However, under both conditions, the BSFL did not mature into pupae. In contrast, the highest dry weight per BSFL was observed with the BF-rOS/FW (50%:50%) mixture, regardless of EM supplementation. Furthermore, the highest bioconversion rate was observed when the BSFL were fed the BF-rOS/FW (50%:50%) mixture, and the frass produced by the BSFL contained fertilizer-appropriate components. In addition, the nutritional components of the BSFL exhibited a nutrient profile suitable for animal feed, except for those fed BF-rOS only. In conclusion, this investigation demonstrates that BF-rOS should be recycled for fertilizer production by mixing it with FW as a BSFL feed, which generates the valuable insect biomass as potential nutrition for animal feeding.

Growth performance, proximate composition and fatty acid profile of black soldier fly larvae reared on two grape pomace varieties.

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is attracting increasing interest for its ability to convert low-value substrates into highly nutritious feed. This study aimed at evaluating grape pomace from two varieties (Becuet - B; Moscato - M) as rearing substrates for black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), focusing on the related effects on larval growth performance, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile. A total of six replicates per treatment, and 1 000 BSFL per replica, were used. Larval development was assessed by larvae weight, which was recorded eight times during the trial: the day after the beginning of the trial, and then on days 5, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, and 27 (day in which the 30% of BSFL reached the prepupal stage). Production and waste reduction efficiency parameters, namely the growth rate, substrate reduction and substrate reduction index, were calculated. The two grape pomace varieties were analysed for their proximate composition and fatty acid profile; the same analyses were conducted on BSFL (30 larvae per replica) that were collected at the end of the trial (day 27). The growth rate of BSFL showed a higher value when the larvae were reared on B substrate (4.4 and 3.2 mg/day for B and M, respectively; P < 0.01). The rearing substrate did not significantly affect the proximate composition of BSFL. The percentage of total lipids (TL) in M-fed BSFL was significantly higher than in B ones. Total saturated (P < 0.001) and monounsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in M-fed BSFL, while an opposite trend was observed for total branched-chain (P < 0.001) and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.001). Interestingly, some conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers [i.e., C18:2 c9t11(+t7c9+t8c10) and t9t11] were detected in low amounts in both rearing substrates (total CLA equal to 0.085 and 0.16 g/100 g TL in B and M substrate, respectively). Some CLA isomers (i.e., C18:2 c9t11, t7c9, and t10c12) were also found in BSFL, reaching a total CLA concentration equal to 2.95 and 0.052 g/100 g of TL in B-fed and M-fed BSFL, respectively. This study demonstrates that winery by-products from different grape varieties can significantly affect the development and lipid composition of BSFL. The CLA biosynthesis potential of BSFL opens newsworthy perspectives for a new valorisation of winery by-products to produce full-fat black soldier fly meal and black soldier fly oil enriched in specific fatty acids of potential health-promoting interest.

Recirculating frass from food waste bioconversion using black soldier fly larvae: Impacts on process efficiency and product quality.

Biowaste generation is increasing worldwide and inadequate disposal has strong negative impacts on food systems and ecosystems. Biodigestion of biowaste using black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) generates valuable by-products such as animal feed (larval biomass) and organic fertiliser (frass). However, the latter is typically unstable immediately after waste conversion and is thus unsafe for use as a fertilizer in terms of maturity. This study evaluated recirculation of frass within bioconversion of post-consumer food waste (FW) as a dietary component for BSFL to improve the quality of the subsequent frass obtained. Frass was introduced at increasing inclusion levels replacing food waste (2.5-100% on wet-weight basis) as part of the larvae's feeding substrate. Bioconversion efficiency and material reduction were significantly reduced by frass inclusion, while larval yield per experimental unit remained unchanged. When considering only the waste component in the larval diet, larval yield (dry-weight basis) ranged between 207 (0% frass inclusion) and 403 (40% frass inclusion) kg tonne FW-1, thus increasing by up to 94% at higher frass inclusion. With increasing dietary inclusion rate of frass from 0% to 100%, crude protein content of larval biomass increased by 41%, while fat content was reduced by 32%. The recirculated frass (obtained after including frass in the larval diet) had elevated concentrations of P, K, S, Na and B and around 6% lower organic matter content, demonstrating a higher degree of decomposition. Frass inclusion in the larval diet generated recirculated frass that were more stable and mature, as indicated by self-heating capacity, CO2 and NH3 volatilisation, seed germination bioassays and other parameters. It was concluded that frass recirculation improves waste bioconversion efficiency in relation to food waste unit, as well as larval biomass and frass quality, ensuring safer use as a fertilizer.

Effects of Hermetia illucens larvae meal and astaxanthin on intestinal histology and expression of tight junction proteins in weaned piglets.

The weaning phase in piglets causes significant physiological stress, disrupts intestinal integrity and reduces productivity, necessitating strategies to improve intestinal health and nutrient absorption. While current research highlights the role of diet in mitigating these adverse effects, identifying effective dietary supplements remains a challenge. This study evaluated the effects of Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae meal and astaxanthin (AST) on the intestinal histology of weaned piglets. In a controlled experiment, 48 weaned piglets were divided into six groups and received varying levels of HI larval meal (2.5% and 5%) and AST in their diets. The methodology involved comprehensive histological examinations of the small intestine, assessing absorption area, villi elongation, crypt depth, goblet cells, enterocytes and expression of ileal tight junction (TJ) proteins. The study found that HI larval meal significantly improved nutrient absorption in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.001), thereby enhancing feed conversion. AST supplementation increased the number of enterocytes (p < 0.001). Both HI larval meal and AST positively affected intestinal morphology and function, increasing muscularis muscle mass and villi elongation (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The 2.5% HI meal improved the villi length to crypt depth ratio and slightly increased the goblet cell count (both p < 0.05). Ki-67 antibody analysis showed increased cell proliferation in the duodenal and jejunal crypts, particularly with the 2.5% HI meal (p < 0.001). Insect meal did not affect TJ protein expression, indicating that it had no effect on intestinal permeability. These findings suggest that HI larval meal and AST can enhance the intestinal wellness and productivity of weaned piglets.

[Microbiological and parasitological risk analysis of novel food sources obtained with the use of insects].

The problem of food safety being an important component of the country's food security, provides not only for continuous improvement of the methodology of hygienic standardization, but also for the formation of requirements for novel food, in particular, those obtained from non-traditional sources. The accumulated practical and theoretical competence in the food hygiene area, as well as knowledge of current trends of the food base broadening, allow us to analyze the risks associated with novel food obtained of insects. The purpose of the research was to analyze the microbiological and parasitological risk of novel food sources obtained with the use of insects, suggest the effective risk management measures. Material and methods. The analytical part of the work included literature search, collection of information and statistical materials published in domestic and foreign scientific editions. The search was carried out using the Google Academy retrieval system and electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, eLIBRARY), mainly in the last 25 years, using the keywords: Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio molitor, Acheta domesticus, insects, parasite, nematode, pathogen, cysts. Results. Based on the published materials' analysis, a systematization of microbiological and parasitological factors potentially capable of colonizing edible insects has been carried out. There were identified representatives of 24 groups of pathogenic and 18 opportunistic microorganisms and helminths related to microbial and parasitic pathogens, the spread of which is significantly influenced by inappropriate conditions of feeding and keeping insects. As there are currently no veterinary requirements for insect breeding and farming conditions, contamination of end products with infectious and parasitic pathogens can vary over a very wide range. Conclusion. The use of native insect biomass carries certain risks associated with its microbial and parasitic contamination, and the development of measures to prevent them requires significant resources. The possibility of deep processing of such raw materials can be considered as one of the solutions to mitigate these risks. For use in the food industry, insects should be subjected to processing similar to that currently used for soybean seeds, which includes separation of protein (entomoprotein), fat and chitin fractions, each of which would have an independent use. Thus, at present, insects should be considered as a source of novel food ingredients, first of all, complete protein of animal origin.

Wheat starch processing by-products as rearing substrate for black soldier fly: does the rearing scale matter?

Rearing scale may influence black soldier fly (BSF) larvae traits when they are fed on a single diet, but different feeding substrates have not been tested yet. This study evaluated the effects of wheat starch processing by-products-based diets on growth performance, bioconversion efficiency, and nutritional profile of BSF larvae reared in different scales. Four diets (D1 and D2 [isonitrogenous, isolipidic and isoenergetic]; D3 and D4 [displaying 1:1 and 1:2 as protein to carbohydrate ratios, respectively]) were tested at 3 rearing scales (4 replicate boxes/diet, with a constant volume [0.84 cm3]/larva and feed [0.7 g]/larva): 1) small (S; 12 × 12 cm, substrate height: 4 cm, 686 6-day-old larvae (6-DOL)/box), 2) medium (M, 32 × 21 cm, substrate height: 7 cm, 5 600 6-DOL/box), and 3) large (L, 60 × 40 cm, substrate height: 7 cm, 20 000 6-DOL/box). Larval weight was recorded at the beginning of trial and every 4 days, and growth rate (GR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival, bioconversion efficiency corrected for residue (BER), reduction rate (RR), and waste reduction index (WRI) calculated at the end of larval growth (frass DM ≥ 55%). Substrate pH, T and height were measured at the beginning, every 4 days, and end of trial. Larval proximate composition was analysed at the end of trial. Data were analysed by generalised linear mixed model (SPSS software, P < 0.05). The D1 larvae showed higher weight, GR, SGR and WRI (along with higher substrate T) than D2 at M scale, while increased SGR and FCR - as well as decreased survival, RR and WRI - were observed in D2 larvae at S scale (P < 0.05). Larval CP and ether extract (EE) contents were influenced by M and L scales only, being higher in D2 group than in D1 (P < 0.001). Differently, decreased ash was recorded in D2 larvae when reared at S and M scales, while L scale revealed higher ash in D2 group than D1 (P < 0.001). The D3 larvae displayed greater weight, SGR, survival, RR and WRI (along with greater substrate T) than D4 at M scale, with increased survival and substrate T being also highlighted in L scale (P < 0.05). The D3 larvae also showed lower DM and EE - as well as higher CP - than D4 at all the rearing scales (P < 0.001). In conclusion, D1 and D3 led to better BSF larval growth performance, bioconversion efficiency and nutritional profile mainly at M and L scales, as a consequence of their ability to facilitate larval aggregation and, in turn, allow achieving a higher substrate T.

Insect-derived chitosan, a biopolymer for the increased shelf life of white and red grapes.

Post-harvest water loss and microbial infections are the root cause of the rapid deterioration of fresh fruit after the picking process, with both environmental and economic implications. Therefore, it is crucial to find solutions that can increase the shelf life of fresh fruits. For this purpose, edible coatings, naturally derived and non-synthetic, are acknowledged as a safe strategy. Among polymeric coatings, chitosan is one of the most effective. In this work, this biopolymer, produced from chitin extracted from Hermetia illucens, an alternative and more sustainable source than crustaceans (the commercial one), was exploited to extend the shelf life of white and red grapes. Chitosan from H. illucens pupal exuviae, at 0.5 % and 1 % concentrations, was applied on both grapes, which were then stored at room temperature or 4 °C. The study of chemical-physical parameters such as weight loss, Total Soluble Solids and pH, demonstrated the effectiveness of the biopolymer, even better than crustacean chitosan. Moreover, the analysis of nutraceutical properties has demonstrated that this natural edible coating improves the quality of grapes, with beneficial effects for human health. The obtained results, therefore, confirmed the viability of using insect-chitosan as an alternative to crustaceans for the preservation of fresh food.

Organic medium-growing chickens fed live black soldier fly larvae: A welfare improvement study.

The overall beneficial effect of live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on the welfare of broiler chickens, turkeys, and laying hens has already been discussed in the literature. However, scant information is available regarding the benefits of feeding live BSFL to medium-growing chicken hybrids reared under organic/free-range conditions, and whose welfare is frequently cited as being inadequate. The aim of this research was to advance our knowledge of this topic. To this end, 240 label naked neck birds (Hubbard JA57 hybrid) were assigned, at 21 days of age, to four experimental groups (6 replicates/treatment, 10 chickens/replicate), created according to sex (M/F) and the provision of a 10% live BSFL dietary supplementation (control males, control females, larvae males, and larvae females), and raised until 82 days of age. We performed behavioural observations, a tonic immobility test, and an avoidance distance (AD) test. We assessed feather damage and cleanliness, hock burn, footpad dermatitis, and skin lesion scores, and determined the concentration of excreta corticosterone metabolites (ECM) and the heterophile to lymphocyte heterophile/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio. The behavioural observations demonstrated increased physical and foraging activity (p < 0.05) in the live BSFL administered groups compared with C ones, providing valuable data on the explorative and recreational behaviour of this chicken genotype. The results also evidenced the usefulness of live BSFL as a fear reducer in females, as those receiving the BSFL supplement moved closer to the operator during the AD test (p < 0.01). No physical injuries or damage were observed on the birds, regardless of whether they received the BSFL supplementation or not. The ECM were unaffected by BSFL supplementation, while the H/L ratio was higher in the larvae groups than in the control ones (p = 0.050). In conclusion, live BSFL provision could constitute a powerful tool for improving life quality in medium-growing chickens. Further research is required to clarify the stress modulation role of live BSFL on poultry production.