Sustainability of Hermetia illucens in swine production: an innovative approach considering bioconversion efficiency, larvae and piglet welfare, and meat quality

This thesis explores the innovative uses of Black Soldier Fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae, including larval rearing, pig nutrition, and welfare, all aligned with sustainability and circular economy principles. Four studies were conducted on the integration of BSF utilization into the swine production chain. The first study assessed the use BSF larvae to convert various food residues, vegetable-based, omnivorous, and carnivorous diets, evaluating their impact on larval growth and bioconversion. Larvae fed vegetable-based diet showed the lowest growth, while those on omnivorous diets achieved performance and nutritional values comparable to the control (i.e., poultry feed), indicating its suitability for BSF rearing and underscoring the critical role of diet in optimizing BSF production strategies. However, the use of animal-derived ingredients in such diets is currently restricted under European legislation. The second study aimed to optimize the dietary regime of BSF larvae by adopting a welfare-oriented approach, confirming that omnivorous diets offered the best growth, nutritional composition, and larval welfare. The experiments aligned with the “Five Freedoms approach to welfare. The third study evaluated live BSF larvae as environmental enrichment for piglets. Animals receiving live larvae showed more activity, reduced stress, and less damaging behaviors compared to controls, supporting BSF larvae as effective environmental enrichment. The last study evaluated the replacement of soybean meal with BSF larvae meal and the substitution of traditional vegetable fats with BSF-derived fat in the diets of finishing pigs. The results indicated that BSFO maintained similar pig growth and meat quality to standard diets, while BSFLM posed challenges, likely due to chitin content. Overall, BSF larvae demonstrate strong potential as bioconverters of diverse food residues and as valuable feed or enrichment in swine production, fitting well within a circular economy model. Nevertheless, further research and regulatory development are needed to optimize their use and ensure food safety.