Black Soldier Fly Farming
Black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens) has been gaining popularity across the globe. The fly is fondly known as ‘Bsf’ by the locals here in Kenya. Bsf is popular due to its usefulness for recycling organic waste and providing a substitute for animal feeds. Bsf loves decaying organic matter, the reason why it has become an important waste recycler for many farms in America, Europe, Asia and even Africa. Bsf larvae can be fed to chicken, fish, and pigs. The larvae are rich in protein and as such, many farmers are now using the larvae as a cheap source of protein for animal feeds. Whereas the Bsf prefers moderately warm habitats, the fly has over the recent decades spread across other continents, thanks to its popularity as a cheaper source of animal feed. Furthermore, many animal feeds manufacturers are currently using Bsf larvae as pone of the constituents in feed formulation.
Bsf Life Cycle
Adult Black Soldier Fly is predominantly black to blue in color and can easily be confused with a wasp because of its sleek appearance. Bsf flies spend most of their time mating. The flies do not eat but rely on their fat reserve during this period. During their 5-8 days their short life, the flies only need water. The female fly lays between 500-900 eggs during her lifetime. She deposits her eggs in crevices near decaying organic matter. The eggs are deposited as a creamy deposit. The eggs take around 4 days to hatch depending on the prevailing conditions such as temperature and humidity. The eggs grow into larvae which feed on organic matter such as animal manure, fruits, vegetables, kitchen wasted etc.
Harvested Bsf eggs
Black soldier flies in the love cage
Larvae are rich in protein and are normally fed to livestock at this stage – 10-12days old. The larvae take six instars that are required to complete this development process. This can take about 14 days. The Bsf larva looks the same in 1st to 4th instar, with size being the main differentiator. At the 5th instar, pupation starts. At this stage, the larva reduces feeding and moves to preferably dark and dry location in readiness for pupation. Pupation is known to take 8 days. The pupa turns to a fly. Black soldier fly can mate 2 days after emergence, and the life cycle repeats again.
BSF life cycle
Factors that the affect Black Soldier Life Cycle
Light – Black soldier flies require sunlight during mating. Artificial light can be installed in cases where natural sunlight is not sufficient.
Moisture – Larvae require moderate moisture for optimal growth and development. Excessive moisture affects decomposition rate. Humidity also affects the rate and success of incubation of Bsf eggs.
Temperature – Bsf is known to withstand temperature range of 15-47°C. Research has shown that temperature of 27°C – 37°C is the most ideal for flies for maximum productivity.
Humidity – Female flies require 60% humidity for optimal egg production.
Importance of Black Solder Flies
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- Waste management – BSF larvae feed on organic matter thus helping consume wastes that would otherwise pollute the environment.
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- Organic fertilizer – Bsf converts organic matter into manure.
- Bsf larvae are source of proteins for livestock such as pigs, chicken, fish etc.
- Dead Bsf are rich in calcium especially for chicken.
- Oil production – Bsf is rich in fats, making it a viable source of oil extraction that can be used in different applications.
- Health care products – a lot of research is currently being carried on the possibility of Bsf being used to make products that can be used in the health care sector.
Conclusion
Bsf is a friendly fly that is rich in proteins, amino acids, and fatty acids. Bsf larvae have humongous appetite which make them the best natural converters of manure from organic matter. Additionally, Bsf is a cheap and sustainable source of animal feed, especially poultry, pigs and fish. Furthermore, this insect is rich in oil thus can be used in production of oil that can be used for different applications such as biofuel.
Feeding chicken and turkey with Bsf larvae