Black soldier fly larvae as alternative animal protein source for feeds – experts

BSoldier Fly larvae have been described as a viable protein source in sustainable layer nutrition, which can fully replace soybeans, according to experts.

The innovation was disclosed during the New Generation Nutrition ( NGN), Netherlands and the Business Incubation Platform of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture ( IITABIP) stakeholders’ engagement, aimed at creating full sustainability for poultry farmers and other means of agricultural processes in the country.

During the four- day Training of Trainers on Black Soldier Fly ( BSF) farming, organised by the Insect4feed Impact Cluster, the Chief Executive Officer of IITA- BIP, Dr Debo Akande, said the project will reduce the cost of poultry and fish farming by creating cheaper, local and alternative feeds, while also creating jobs in the insect farming value chain.

He stressed that the Insect4feed innovation is aimed at preparing a group of trainers who will further train entrepreneurs in black soldier fly farming to address the growing need for a local, sustainable and affordable animal protein source for the fish and poultry feed industry in Nigeria. Akande explained that one of the main challenges in the livestock sector in the country is the high cost of feed, which is driving a lot of poultry and fish farms out of business and contributes to the high cost of livestock products and animal protein sources available to the people.

“About 75 per cent of fish feed in Nigeria are imported, the country spends around $ 60 million yearly to import fish, but this training marks the beginning of the development of sustainable business models with insects through research and education.