Bioconversion of Poultry and Fish Waste by Lucilia Sericata and Sarcophaga Carnaria Larvae

Abstract

Agricultural, industrial, and household waste contaminates the environment, disrupts the food chain, and spreads infectious diseases. Fly larvae digest animal waste, and in so doing significantly reduce their volume and convert the waste to materials that can be used as food additives and fertilizers for organic farming. Larvae of L. sericata and S. carnaria were efficient in reducing the mass of poultry and fish waste by 2.5–5.5 fold. The average yield of larvae reared on fish and poultry waste was approximately 304 g, while the bioconversion rate ranged between 16.6 and 39.6%. Water and undigested waste accounted for 60%–77% of the larvae and pupae body mass, while protein followed by fat and carbohydrate were the most important components. Representatives of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Micrococcus and sulfite-reducing Clostridia species were isolated from the waste products as well as from the larvae and pupae of both flies used. The weights of striped bass fed with standard fish food supplemented with larvae increased slightly, when compared to those fed on standard food alone. The species of fly, the number of eggs, the type of waste material used and its chemical composition affected the bioconversion rate, the yield of fly larvae, and the waste mass reduction. Fly larvae and their byproducts could be used beneficially as a supplement for animal food for the poultry and fish industry, as well as reducing the quantity of waste.