Artificial diets for neonatal black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae

This study determined the optimal nursery diet for neonatal black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) larvae. The standard specifications of a poultry layer hen (feed source often used for larvae rearing) was used for the formulation of the control diet (L120), whilst an iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic diet was formulated that included animal protein (10% spray dried blood meal; L120B). Also, the carcass milling technique was used to determine the ideal amino acid profile of the animals. Two diets were subsequently formulated according to this profile i.e. a plant protein based diet (IAAP) and a diet containing 10% spray dried blood meal (IAAPB). Thirdly, the addition of sterols to the diets were tested with the addition of sterols in the form of pork brains (3%) to both the L120 and IAAP diets. Lastly, a commercial store bought layer mash was used as a second control diet. These seven treatments were replicated eight times in 100 ml pill pots, each pot being inoculated with 100 neonates. Results obta...