Affiliations: Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel | Migal-Galilee Technology Center, Rosh-Pina,
Israel | Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The
Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Institute
for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical
School, Jerusalem, Israel
Abstract: Agricultural, industrial, and household waste contaminates the
environment, disrupts the food chain, and spreads infectious diseases. Fly
larvae digest animal waste, and in so doing significantly reduce their volume
and convert the waste to materials that can be used as food additives and
fertilizers for organic farming. Larvae of L. sericata and S. carnaria were
efficient in reducing the mass of poultry and fish waste by 2.5–5.5 fold.
The average yield of larvae reared on fish and poultry waste was approximately
304 g, while the bioconversion rate ranged between 16.6 and 39.6%. Water and
undigested waste accounted for 60%–77% of the larvae and pupae body mass,
while protein followed by fat and carbohydrate were the most important
components. Representatives of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas,
Micrococcus and sulfite-reducing Clostridia species were isolated from the
waste products as well as from the larvae and pupae of both flies used. The
weights of striped bass fed with standard fish food supplemented with larvae
increased slightly, when compared to those fed on standard food alone. The
species of fly, the number of eggs, the type of waste material used and its
chemical composition affected the bioconversion rate, the yield of fly larvae,
and the waste mass reduction. Fly larvae and their byproducts could be used
beneficially as a supplement for animal food for the poultry and fish industry,
as well as reducing the quantity of waste.
Keywords: Lucilia sericata, Sarcophaga carnaria, bioconversion, poultry and fish waste, Israel
