Valuable by-products of a manure management system using the black soldier fly - A literature review with some current results

A low input value added manure management system has been developed that can operate in CAFO's as currently designed with minor modifications. The black soldier fly (Hemetia illucens) converts manure to larval biomass while reducing manure residue and controlling house flies. Prepupae self harvest as they migrate to find pupation sites. Prepupae can be dried to a 42% protein, 35% fat feedstuff with favorable amino acid and fatty acid profiles. Hen manure conversion to quality feedstuff occurs at an 8% conversion, on a d.m. basis. Feeding studies show that this feedstuff is suitable for poultry, swine, fish and frogs. Manure residue is reduced by about half and N and P content of this residue is reduced. Most studies with this system have been conducted with caged layers, but it can be adapted to swine or other manures, or food waste.