Cardboard supplementation on the growth and nutritional content of black solider fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae and resulting frass

A 10-day trial was conducted to compare the production and fatty acid composition of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) when grown without or with cardboard supplementation at 2.2% on a dry weight basis. The final biomass of BSFL or waste reduction was not significantly impacted by cardboard. The fatty acids of C10 and C22:6n-3 were significantly higher in BSFL in the cardboard treatment, but crude lipid significantly reduced. The leftover BSFL frass had significantly higher sulfur, zinc, manganese and boron at the expense of lower nitrogen (91.2% versus 8.73% in control versus cardboard, respectively). These preliminary results appear to indicate that the growth and nutritional value of BSFL were not adversely compromised while the frass can be enhanced by adding relatively small amounts (2.2%) of cardboard. Further studies could be conducted to investigate the implications of higher inclusion levels.

Automated summary

The addition of cardboard at a rate of 2.2% did not significantly affect the biomass and waste reduction of black soldier fly larvae. However, it increased the levels of certain fatty acids in the larvae. The frass produced by the larvae in the cardboard treatment had higher levels of certain minerals but lower nitrogen content.