COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AGRO-INDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCTS AS FEED FOR BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK FEED

Balu Amaresh D Joragia; Santhebennur Jayappa Veeresh

doi:10.47957/ijciar.v9i1.213

Authors

Balu Amaresh D Joragi Department of Studies in Environmental Science, Davangere University, Davanagere, Karnataka, India
Veeresh Santhebennur Jayappa Department of Studies in Environmental Science, Davangere University, Davanagere, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47957/ijciar.v9i1.213

Keywords:

Black soldier fly larvae, insect proteins, sustainability, waste management, circular economy, net zero

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable feed has driven the search for fish meal alternatives. This study evaluated black soldier fly larvae reared on four agro-industrial by-products: soybean meal, broken rice, cottonseed cake, and rapeseed cake. Over 12 days, growth performance, feed conversion ratio, survival rate, and nutritional composition were analyzed. Soybean meal has emerged as the most balanced feed, achieving efficient conversion, robust growth, and high survival rates owing to its protein content. Broken rice showed strong growth potential but lower survival and feed efficiency. Cottonseed cake excelled in FCR but was limited by low survival rates, whereas rapeseed cake displayed a steady performance with moderate growth. This study fills this research gap by examining the available feed substrates and offering practical solutions for livestock farmers. This study discusses the input for agro-industries to shift to a circular economy, net zero, and sustainable production.

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