Browsing by Author "Gleeson, Elizabeth Yvonne"
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- ItemA systematic review of the effect of rearing substrate composition on the fatty acid profile of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Gleeson, Elizabeth Yvonne; Pieterse, ElsjeENGLISH ABSTRACT: As the agricultural sector is faced with providing sufficient nutritious and affordable food for the global population, the need for more sustainable agricultural practices is highlighted. One of the ways to improve the sustainability of the overburdened agricultural sector is the use of feed ingredients that have a reduced impact on the environment, while still optimising production. The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has been well researched as a protein source for both animal feed and human consumption, as it could augment more traditional protein sources such as soybean meal, which has a large environmental impact. The black soldier fly larvae are also high in lipids and have the potential to be utilized as a source of energy in the form of fatty acids. The use of black soldier fly larvae as a lipid source is however less well researched. Studies have shown that the larval fatty acid profile is affected by multiple factors including: nutrition, age and environmental conditions. In recent years, numerous studies have investigated the effect that the rearing substrate composition has on the larval fatty acid profile. The systematic review performed as part of this study aimed to consolidate and compare the findings of published research regarding this effect. Meta- analyses were incorporated into the systematic review to determine to which extent the concentrations of the individual fatty acids in the larval fatty acid profile are affected by the rearing substrate composition. The results suggested that black soldier fly larvae’s importance as a source of lipids and the effect that nutrition has on their fatty acid profile is recognised by researchers globally and that the interest in the topic has increased in recent years. It did however also show that there is a lack of standardisation in terms of larval rearing trial methodologies, which has a potential impact on the larval fatty acid profile. The findings of the systematic review clarified to which extent the larval fatty acid profile can be changed through changes in the rearing substrate composition. The meta-analysis results indicated that the concentrations of many of the fatty acids are significantly affected by the rearing substrate composition. The largest effect was found for the lauric acid concentration. Subsequently the level of saturation, in other words the total amount of saturated-, monounsaturated- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, are also significantly affected by the rearing substrate composition. This information could contribute to more dynamic larval nutrition thereby tailoring the larval fatty acid profile to its intended purpose, whether that be animal feed, human consumption or another purpose such as biofuel production.