The feeding efficiency of grain bran for the Hermetia illucens larvae
Abstract
In the paper is presented the result of one experimental study on the growing of the black soldier fly Hermetia Illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on wheat and rice bran (from 7 days old to the prepupal stage of larvae). Feeding ration was given for larvae every four days in the following amounts: 45, 90 and 120 mg/larvae/day. For each experimental group (100 larvae, n=3) was calculated the indices related to its growth, mortality and feeding efficiency of wheat and rice brans. In general, the results of study showed a trend, in which larger ration of wheat and rice brans contributed to higher biomass and faster growth of the H. Illucens larvae. However, for wheat bran feed the diet 90 mg/l/d was the optimal and met both conditions: the nutrient requirement to gain of a big larvae biomass and provide a high degree of fed substrate degradation. The protein content of the prepupals in this experimental study was consisted from 36-43% and confirmed the opportunity to usage of dry prepupa meal in the aquaculture feed industry.