Browsing by Author "Brits, Devon"
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- ItemImproving feeding efficiencies of black soldier fly larvae, Hermetia illucens (L., 1758) (Diptera : Stratiomyidae : Hermetiinae) through manipulation of feeding conditions for industrial mass rearing(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Brits, Devon; Richards, Cameron S.; Pryke, James S.; Villet, Martin H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Conservation Ecology and Entomology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The human population is rapidly expanding and raises several concerns in terms of food security and waste management. To feed the human population, we need to start expanding our horizons in terms of what we eat. Insects may be the answer to this. But due to our many other problems, it helps to create multiple solutions from single ideas that promote green industry and help ‘heal’ our planet rather than only taking from it. This is where the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L., 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae: Hermetiinae) may offer such a solution. Hermetia illucens is a non-pestilent fly that has spread worldwide due to its many innovative uses, for example used as a type of biological control agent for some filth fly species, recycle 1.3 billion tonnes of annual organic waste globally, create high-grade biodiesel and replace (or at least alleviate the demand) for fish or legume-based animal feeds and lipids. However, very little is known about how the protein and lipid rich larvae can be mass reared for industrial purposes. This thesis answers questions about the feeding environment and density of H. illucens larvae in an industrial setting (i.e. food waste, and larger population sizes). By investigating how feed depth and particle size, feed provisioning rations (i.e. larval densities), and population sizes effect the ability of larvae to develop, survive and feed. The results of this thesis were finding the optimal feed depths (i.e. 5-10 cm), provisioning rations (125 mg/larva/day) and population sizes (5 000-50 000 larvae per container) of H. illucens larvae when fed kitchen wastes. Additionally, two new measures of feeding efficiencies were described (i.e. provisioning ration change and optimal bioconversion deficit) and values for larval aggregation heat were also recorded for the first time. Future recommendations and research that came up during this study is also given to continue furthering an industry capitalising on US$ 750 million lost annually in all waste streams worldwide.