BLACK SOLDIER FLY (HERMETIA ILLUCEN) LARVEA FARMING FOR ORGANIC WASTE BIOCONVERSION AND ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION: A REVIEW
Abstract
The rapid increase in global organic waste generation and the growing demand for sustainable animal feed ingredients have intensified the search for innovative technologies that simultaneously address environmental pollution and food security. Among the emerging biological solutions, the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus) has gained considerable attention for its exceptional ability to convert diverse organic wastes into protein-rich biomass and nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, life cycle, organic waste bioconversion potential, nutritional composition, animal feed applications, environmental significance, economic prospects, and future development of Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) farming. The review highlights the biological attributes of BSFL, including rapid growth, high feed conversion efficiency, broad substrate adaptability, and efficient conversion of food waste, livestock manure, agricultural residues, agro-industrial by-products, and municipal organic waste into valuable resources within a circular bioeconomy framework. It further examines the nutritional composition of BSFL, emphasizing their high-quality proteins, lipids, essential amino acids, minerals, chitin, and antimicrobial compounds that support their increasing use in poultry, aquaculture, swine, rabbit, and pet nutrition. The agronomic value of BSF frass as an organic fertilizer and the environmental benefits of greenhouse gas mitigation, nutrient recycling, and landfill diversion are also discussed. In addition, the review evaluates key challenges, including biosafety, regulatory constraints, substrate variability, commercialization, and consumer acceptance, while identifying future opportunities in selective breeding, automation, microbiome engineering, and precision insect farming. Overall, BSFL farming represents a sustainable and economically viable technology for advancing circular agriculture, climate-smart waste management, and global food and feed security.