BSF larvae can upgrade low value menus into protein rich biomass

BioBoost partner Vives tested artificial diets with different protein contents to determine the protein requirements of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses were performed to assess the amino acid (AA) profiles of the diets and the larvae.

The tests showed that the protein value of the larvae as animal feed is largely independent of the substrates used to rear them. Consequently, low value reisdual streams can be upgraded by the larvae into valuable protein rich biomass with high content of essential amino acids.

Another finding indicates that, just like for mammals and birds, the amino acids lysine and methionine are essential AAs for insects. However, in this test, shortage of these AAs didn’t influence the growth and mortality of the larvae. It should also be noted that, in this experiment, the results for proline were not so reliable. If this AA is not considered, differences in protein contents are still visible but much less pronounced.

A short report can be found at publications.