An in vivo evaluation of defatted black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for beef cattle consuming a basal diet of forage
Date
2023-04
Authors
Tasci, Kayra
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Abstract
Increased food production demands have led to diminished natural resources and exacerbated pressure on livestock producers to increase output. Accordingly, there is a need to identify and investigate alternative livestock feeds that are economical and environmentally sustainable. Insect protein has been identified as an alternative to conventional protein sources, such as soybean meal (SBM), due to insect’s high feed efficiency and comparable protein concentrations. Specifically, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has received attention as livestock feed due to its scalability, nutritional value, and other characteristics. Recent feeding trials and economic analyses demonstrate promise for integrating BSFL into the cattle feeding industry. Data collected from this study will be integral to the insect rearing industry and provide a base for future in vivo studies investigating the feasibility of BSFL as cattle feed.
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Keywords
insect protein, soybean meal, protein supplementation, sustainability, beef cattle
Citation
Tasci, K. (2023). An in vivo evaluation of defatted black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for beef cattle consuming a basal diet of forage (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.