August 2, 2022. To explore the potential of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a substitute protein source in feeds, the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) published a Technical Bulletin in July 2022 covering the safety concerns associated with BSFL use.
Farming of insects for feed production is a rapidly expanding industry due to the rising cost of imported raw materials and the environmental issues associated with cropland utilized for feed rather than food.
BSFL meal derived from Hermetia illucens L., one of the many insect species, is frequently used as a food source for animals like chickens, fish, and pigs. The Department of Agriculture has already carried out several initiatives using BSFL. In 2020, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) partnered with Kahariam Farms to begin using BSFL as a substitute source of proteins for pigs. In addition, ATI Region 2 created a farming guide brochure for BSF.
The technical bulletin provided information on the nutritional components, risks, and a list of suggested actions when considering BSFL for feeds. To get a full grasp on the safety of BSFL as an alternative source of protein for feeds, please read the Technical Bulletin on our website. ###