Use of different dry materials to control the moisture in a black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) rearing substrate.

Background: Controlling the substrate moisture is a significant challenge in black soldier fly (BSF) farming. Many substrates have a high moisture content, which results in a low BSF biomass and a high mortality. One potential solution involves incorporating dry substrates into the food mix to mitigate the excessive moisture. However, little information about the types and quantities of dry substrates is available. Methods: Six different dry materials-rice husk (RH), rice bran (RB), rice husk ash (RHA), coconut coir dust (CC), rubberwood sawdust (RSD), and spent coffee grounds (SCGs)-were evaluated by combining with pure minced mixed vegetables in varying proportions (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, and 50% by weight). This study encompassed both small-scale and medium-scale experiments to comprehensively assess the effects of the addition of each of these different dry substrates and their quantities on aspects of the development of BSF, such as BSF biomass, larval duration, mortality rates, adult sex ratio, and the moisture removal efficiency of each substrate mixture. Results: Each dry substrate had specific properties. Although RB emerged as a favorable dry substrate owing to its nutritional content and substantial water-holding capacity, excessive use of RB (>15% by weight) resulted in elevated temperatures and subsequent desiccation of the substrate, potentially leading to larval mortality. In contrast, RH demonstrated the ability to support improved larval duration and growth, permitting its utilization in higher proportions (up to 50%). On the other hand, CC, RHA, and SCG are better suited for inclusion in BSF larval substrates in smaller quantities. Discussion: Some dry substrates require a pretreatment process to eliminate toxic substances prior to their incorporation into substrate mixtures, such as CC and SCG. A potential alternative solution involves employing a combination of various dry substrates. This approach aims to enhance the substrate moisture control and subsequently improve the BSF rearing performance.

Use of fermented spent coffee grounds as a substrate supplement for rearing black soldier fly larvae, Hermetia illucens (L), (Diptera: Stratiomyidae).

Background: Spent coffee grounds (SCG), an increasingly abundant waste product with environmental disposal problems, has been used as a dietary supplement for many animals and have the potential to be used as a dietary supplement for black soldier fly (BSF) larvae; however, its effective use is still under scrutiny. To date, no studies have considered the use of SCG after microbial fermentation (fSCG) and its effects on BSF life history. Methods: A mixture of fruit and vegetable pulp residue supplemented with one of six different fSCG percentages (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% by weight) were provided as a diet substrate in order to evaluate the effect of the fSCG quantity on BSF growth, yield, and conversion ability. Results: The addition of fSCG to the pulp diet prolonged larval development times, while 100% fSCG affected the larval survival rate and resulted in a male-biased adult sex ratio. The 20-40% fSCG and 40-60% fSCG treatments supported the largest prepupal and mature larval sizes, respectively. The highest waste reduction efficiency and feed conversion rate by BSF larvae was found with 20% fSCG, similar to the control (0% fSCG). Discussion: From the short rearing time, high yield, and high bioconversion efficiency, a 20% fSCG supplementation of the mixed pulp was recommended for rearing BSF larvae. These data are valuable for coffee by-product waste management in urban areas.