Inventory of local agricultural by-products valorized in the production of larvae Hermetia illucens (L. 1758) in Southern Bénin

Abstract

In order to inventory the local agricultural by-products used in the composition of the feedstock for the larval rearing (Hermetia illucens) in southern Bénin, a survey was conducted among 26 stakeholders, including 14 producers, nine fish farmers, and three resource persons. Data collection was carried out through instant surveys using the 'structured interview visits' method, supplemented by informal interviews. For this purpose, the Kobocollect application installed on a smartphone was used. Results revealed that 30 local agricultural by-products are used in the composition of the organic waste for the rearing of Black Soldier Fly maggots (BSFL). Based on their origin, these by-products were categorized into the following five groups : Offal leftovers ; Mixed or unmixed agricultural co-products ; Animal waste ; Food residues ; Alcoholic beverage derivatives. Several factors were considered by BSFL producers when choosing these by-products. These included their physicochemical quality (protein and lipid content, texture, odour, colour, moisture content), their productivity (amount of BSFL), their availability, and their cost. The utilization of these by-products in the production of LMSN contributes to environmental sanitation through the recycling of certain organic waste and the development of ecological and sustainable aquaculture.