The black soldier fly is a common and widespread fly belonging to the family of Stratiomyidae. It is scientifically called Hermetia Illucens. This medium-sized insect is predominantly black with a metallic reflection ranging from blue to green on the thorax with a red color at the end of the abdomen. Unlike houseflies, black soldier flies don’t spread any known diseases.
The incest has grown in popularity around the world in the past decade because of its benefits. Such benefits include its ability to be sustainable in bio-waste management offering an appealing, green alternative to traditional methods. It also provides feeds, fertilizers, and a livelihood for the farmers. A Black solider fly life cycle has four stages and the larvae stage of this insect is the center for our article today.
The life cycle of a black soldier flies.
The whole life cycle of a black soldier fly lasts about 37-45 days. The female lays approximately 300-600 eggs. These eggs are laid in cracking around decomposing material. They spend two stages of their life in the decomposing material as eggs that hatch after 4 days into larvae that last for 18 days. As they start transforming from pre-pupa which takes 14 days, they move away from the media to find a dry place to complete the metamorphosis to adults in 9 days. An adult fly can typically live for about 10-16 days.
Black solider fly larvae have the capability of rapidly degrading organic waste and producing a fertilizer as they feed on the bio-waste. The mature larvae are harvested as a valuable source of protein and fat content. It is highly in demand by pig, poultry, and livestock farmers. Some pharmaceutical firms have found that the oil produced by processing the larvae can be added to their products.
What are the benefits of Black Soldier Fly Farming?
Black solider fly farming is a sustainable process in which farmers convert organic waste into animal feeds and fertilizer. The insect is given suitable controlled conditions to breed and lay eggs in this farming model. Its products shake tables in the animal feed industry as they offer an innovative alternative protein source and a green approach to waste management.
Sustainability.
This self-sustaining farming model effectively manages bio-waste without producing greenhouse gas emissions and with minimal energy consumption. Large quantities of bio-waste from kitchens, restaurants, and markets can be rapidly broken down by black soldier fly larvae. This approach reduces reliance on traditional waste management systems, contributing positively to the fight against climate change.
As the black soldier fly larvae feed on the bio-waste, they produce digestates that are rich in nitrogen and are used as an organic fertilizer that can be used in crop production. It has reduced the dependence of farmers on inorganic fertilizers. It promotes the development of resilience among small-scale producers who face numerous shocks, including those related to climate change
Profitability.
The mature larvae get processed and turned into animal feeds. They are a direct alternative source of protein and fat for poultry, fish, and livestock.
Many farmers have now turned to black soldier fly farming because it offers are cheaper source of proteins for their animals there reduced feed costs and an extra income from larvae and fertilizer that is sold off.
Black soldier fly farming presents employment opportunities to several community members. involved in the process of breeding the flies.
Set up of a Black Solider Fly Farm.
Setting up a black soldier fly farming is actually easier than you can imagine. You can set up the equipment in an open space or in the background. Access and storage for water and organic waste should be easy in the chosen location.
The farm mainly consists of two sections for the different stages.
The Larverium.
This is a room with controlled conditions that mainly has shelves stocked with well-aerated crates containing bio-waste. The farmers place the cardboard with the eggs in the crates to incubate and hutch. A few days after hatching, farmers separate the larvae into other crates as they start to expand and feed on the organic waste. Here, they rapidly grow in size and undergo metamorphosis as they consume the bio-waste.
Breeding Chamber.
Commonly known to farmers as the love room, is a micro-netted cage where the adult insect grows, feeds mates, and lays eggs. Furthermore the breeding chamber stimulates the black soldier fly natural breeding environment with water and contains decaying material and cardboard. The female insects attracted by the smell of decaying to lay their eggs in the cracks within the cardboard.
Harvesting.
As the laver approaches the pupa stage it begins to turn black and reduces movement and feeding. At this stage they are ready to harvest, so the farmer sieves the crate content. To separate the larvae from now what has become fertilizer.
Some of the larvae were separated and taken to breeding to continue the life cycle, while the rest were processed into animal feeds.
Challenges involved in Black Soldier Fly Farming.
Maintaining suitable environmental conditions like temperature and humidity for breeding is a skillful task that requires a farmer to be knowledgeable about the biology of its life cycle.
Food supply shortages are a challenge to new farmers and this in turn affects the growth rate of the larvae and in turn, affects the quality of the product.
The insects are very sensitive to any pollution like dust, and chemicals and can easily attacked by the small black ants. In such a case the insects are likely to die when they get in contact with the conditions.
In some cases, the availability and access to funds for the specialized infrastructure and facilities required to raise and breed the black soldier flies. When you need to scale up might not be certain because of the funds.
Several government policies regulate the farming of black soldier flies. Such as permits, and garbage disposal policies among others may hinder a farmer who is just starting up. As they may lack the stable resources supply to withstand the industry pressures.
Tips for a Beginner Farmer.
I advise before diving into this venture try to do as much research concerning feed formulations to increase productivity, we have it all here for you.
Consider networking, mentorship, and partnering with the district agricultural officers for updates on in any policies and other prominent farmers in your local for help and some funding to start well.
To avoid running out of funds to run the project try to use cheaply available materials and resourceful recycling like mosquito nets old jerricans and old wood to cut on operation costs.
Simply avoid dust or chemical-populated environments and practice bio-security. Does this maintain colony health and maintain the continuality of the business? The answer is yes.
Case study
Many countries around Africa and beyond are urging their citizens to embark and invest in a circular and sustainable economy. To address several climate and livelihood challenges. Black soldier farming presents the opportunity. Organic waste recovery will also generate income directly through a gradual reduction in the waste management budgets.
In Conclusion.
For a sustainable future, many farmers need to get into sustainable agricultural practices that encourage a circular economy. Black soldier farming has sustainable and profitable values. I will keep writing better and more interesting information on this blog thank you for reading.
About The Author
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It’s actually a better organic way too feed our animals coze they really responsed to the the proteins and other nutrients it them