Formulation of Artificial Diets for Mass-Rearing Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Using the Carcass Milling Technique.

The carcass milling technique (CMT) formulates specific diets from nutrient analyses of species to be reared and their natural host plants. The first of four diets developed used the minimum ingredient specifications (MS) of published diets for Eldana saccharina. The remaining were based on the ideal amino acid composition and profile (IAAP) of its second (IAAP2), third/fourth (IAAP3/4) and fifth/sixth (IAAP5/6) instar larvae.

Food Safety of Consuming Black Soldier Fly () Larvae: Microbial, Heavy Metal and Cross-Reactive Allergen Risks.

Black soldier fly () larvae (BSFL) are a promising, sustainable source of nutrients, however, there is limited knowledge regarding the food safety of consuming BSFL. This study determined the safety of consuming BSFL for direct human consumption in terms of microbial, heavy metal and allergen content. Microbial counts were determined using ISO (International Organization for Standardization) methods, heavy metals were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and allergens were determined via Orbitrap mass spectrometry and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kits.

Why for feed and not for human consumption? The black soldier fly larvae.

With the surge in consumption of insects, the search continues to find ways to increase the popularity of insect-based products in the Western world. The black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), which is mainly utilized for animal feed, has great potential to provide a sustainable source of nutrients for human food. This review aims to discuss some of the key benefits and challenges of BSFL and their potential role as a food ingredient and/or product for human consumption.

Combined Effect of Dietary Protein, Ractopamine, and Immunocastration on Boar Taint Compounds, and Using Testicle Parameters as an Indicator of Success.

This study investigates the combined effect of immunocastration, dietary protein level (low, medium or high) and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation (0 or 10 mg/kg) on the adipose concentrations of androstenone, skatole and indole in pigs, and explores whether body mass, carcass fatness or testicular parameters may be indicators of boar taint in these carcasses. Immunocastration was successful in decreasing testicle functioning, and adipose androstenone and skatole concentrations, in all individuals. Immunocastration decreased testicle weight and length, seminiferous tubule circumference and epithelium thickness.

The development of an improved artificial diet for the mass rearing of Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Background: This study determined the nutrient requirements of Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a serious sugarcane pest in South Africa, to develop a more efficient artificial diet for mass-rearing purposes for sterile moth production. Diets tested consisted of a minimum specification (MS) diet representing a diet formulated according to the minimum specification of a summary of published diets, which yielded satisfactory results; an ideal amino acid profile (IAAP) diet, where amino acid composition was based on the profile of amino acids in the 2 (IAAP2) and 5 /6 (IAAP5/6) instar larvae; and lastly two diets based on the nutrient composition of the natural diet of the insects, papyrus (PAP) and sugarcane (SC). Six treatments with 50 replications were randomly allotted to 300 25 mL plastic screw-top vials.

Larvae Reared on Different Substrates in Broiler Quail Diets: Effect on Physicochemical and Sensory Quality of the Quail Meat.

This research aimed at improving the fatty acid (FA) profile of larvae (HI) and evaluating the effects of their inclusion in growing broiler quails' diets on the meat physicochemical quality, including detailed amino acid (AA) and FA profiles, sensory traits, and retail display. HI larvae were reared on two different substrates: layer mash (HI1) and 50:50 layer mash/fish offal (HI2). A total of 300 10-day-old quails were allocated to the three dietary groups (five replicates/each): a soybean meal-based diet was formulated (Control), and two other diets were formulated that included either 10% HI1 or HI2.

Development of reduced cost diets for the mass rearing of false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta).

Background: Four trials were conducted; the first established optimal cooking time for false codling moth diets using a microwave oven while the other three trials aimed at determining nutrient requirements, testing these, and evaluating alternative cheaper raw materials.

Results: Microwave preparation for 8 min, using a 1000 W microwave oven was found to be the optimal cooking time for all treatment diets at 200 g kg moisture. The minimum specification (MS) diet yielded more larvae per jar (mean ± standard deviation) (759 ± 29) than the control (CON) (652 ± 32) diet and the ideal amino acid profile (IAAP) diet (596 ± 46).

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) pre-pupae meal as a dietary protein source for broiler production ensures a tasty chicken with standard meat quality for every pot.

Background: Animal products (fishmeal etc.) are typically used in commercial broiler production systems. However, progressively more pressure is placed on the animal feed industry to find alternative protein sources that are more sustainable, ethical and green, such as insect meal, without having negative effects on the sensory and meat quality.

Insects as human food; from farm to fork.

Over the course of the last few years, the consumption of insects, known as entomophagy, has sparked increasing interest amongst scientists and environmentalists as a potential solution to the inevitable global food security and sustainability issues humans will be facing in the coming years. Despite the fact that insects have been an integral part of over 2 billion people's diet worldwide, the concept of eating insects is still new to Western culture. As a result, there are many unknowns regarding insects as a food source, and this has led to a number of studies and investigations being done in recent years to create more knowledge and awareness around this new concept in the food industry.

Application of Paracoccus marcusii as a potential feed additive for laying hens.

Carotenoids have been used for many years as an added pigment to enhance egg yolk color. One such carotenoid, astaxanthin, has a strong antioxidant activity and is produced by several microorganisms, including the bacterium Paracoccus marcusii, which has shown promise to be used as a feed additive. Therefore, this study investigated the use of P.

Longevity, Fertility and Fecundity of Adult Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Held at Varying Densities: Implications for Use in Bioconversion of Waste.

Large numbers of flies are needed to produce the quantity of larvae required for insect bioconversion of waste. However, this 'mass-rearing' may negatively affect adult survival and reproductive output. This study assessed the suitability for mass-rearing of four blow fly species, Chrysomya chloropyga, Chrysomya chloropyga (Wiedemann), Chrysomya megacephala (F.