Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 2017; 3(3): 193-202 Wageningen Academic Publisher s ISSN 2352-4588 online, DOI 10.3920/JIFF2017.0004 193 1. Introduction Insects have lately been cited as novel sources of alternate high quality proteins and contributors to global food security, which can be important in augmenting current food production methods (Makkar et al., 2014). Campaigns to create awareness on the potential role of insects as a food or feed resource have consequently gained momentum, because they are considered an innovative means of supplying the food needs of an ever increasing human population (Van Huis et al., 2013). This is especially relevant in countries such as those in the Sub-Saharan Africa where population growth rate currently stands at 2.3% per year, and malnutrition has been classified as acute (Mboga, 2009; Schönfeldt and Gibson Hall, 2012). The use of insects is not a new concept for either humans or domesticated animals. Entomophagy is considered Valorisation of organic waste material: growth performance of wild black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) reared on different organic wastes E.M. Nyakeri 1* , H.J.O. Ogola 1,2 , M.A. Ayieko 1 and F.A. Amimo 3,4 1 School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya; 2 Centre for research, Innovation and Technology, P.O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya; 3 School of Agricutural and Food Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga university of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 210-40601, Bondo Kenya; 4 School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga university of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya; evans.nyakeri@gmail.com Received: 1 March 2017 / Accepted: 14 April 2017 © 2017 Wageningen Academic Publishers RESEARCH ARTICLE Abstract Insects such as the black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) are currently being promoted as an alternative protein source for animals and organic waste management agents. To play the dual roles sustainably, there is need to reduce reliance on wild BSF and develop an appropriate farming methodology for the insect. This study aimed at improving larvae production in a black soldier fly colony previously established from the wild in Kenya. The study explored the effect of four locally available organic wastes as feedstocks for production the black soldier fly larvae. Separate feeding trials on faecal sludge (FS), banana peelings (BP), brewer’s waste (BW) and restaurant food waste (FR) was done and their effect on BSF larvae growth rate, larvae weight, total prepupal yield in grams, crude protein and lipid (ether extract) content analysed. The efficiency of the BSF larvae to consume and therefore reduce the waste load of the different substrates was also evaluated. Results showed that BSF larvae fed on FR had significantly higher (P<0.05) total mean yield and average individual weight of 196.9±4.0 g and 0.101±0.002 g, respectively, followed by BW (154.8±6.5 g, 0.078±0.02 g), FS (138.7±5.0 g, 0.070±0.001 g) and with BP the lowest (108.9±5.6 g, 0.055±0.002 g). The harvested BSF larvae crude protein was significantly higher for FS and BW at 45.4±0.1% and 43.0±1.0%, respectively. However, ether extract content was variable and dependent on feedstock used with lower values reported for FS and BW (18.1±0.3% and 27.2%, respectively), and highest for food remains prepupa (36%). Dry matter reduction ranged between 50.3-81.8% with corresponding bioconversion and feed conversion rates ranging from 14.9-20.8% and 2.6-4.5, respectively, was achieved for the substrates used. These results indicated the potential of utilising BSF composting in valorisation of the local organic wastes for their bioremediation from the environment. Due to their availability in large quantities and their low cost, these organic wastes can form important feedstock resources for the sustainable production of BSF larvae as a future alternative protein source for both animal feeds at farm level and industrial scale. In conclusion, embracing nutrient recycling through BSF technology by resource- constrained farmers in Kenya will contribute to food security through supply of proteins for production of poultry and fish. Keywords: bioremediation, food remains, banana peels, bioconversion rate, value addition http://www.wageningenacademic.com/doi/pdf/10.3920/JIFF2017.0004 - Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:04:21 PM - University of Science & Technology (JOOUST) IP Address:41.204.179.134