Abstract Insect farming has a long but little-known history. This paper offers a glimpse into the early history of calliphorid larvae production based on old literature, mostly in French. In the 19th and 20th century, texts focused on facilities built to rear maggots, i.e. maggot pits, maggot farms and maggot factories, were frequent in French books and newspapers. Maggot facilities were built in the countryside to provide feed for poultry and farmed fish, evidence that maggots’ nutritional value was already empirically recognised at that time. Small-scale artisanal maggot facilities and bigger pre-industrial ones were also established in urban and peri-urban areas to take advantage of the large number of animal carcasses available in the cities. The maggots produced in cities mostly served as bait for anglers. Urban production of maggots initially took place in knacker’s yards, in ramshackle barns or even at the “maggot manufacturer’s” home. Subsequently, production shifted to dedicated buildings equipped with basins on the ground. Based on a substantial corpus of literature, these modes of production are reviewed and the contours of their forgotten history brought back to light.
Abstract The analysis of chitin in insects intended for food or feed is important from a nutritional and health perspective. A rapid and reliable method for the determination of chitin in insects is desirable. Analysis of chitin in insects based on accelerated hydrolysis of the sample using a microwave oven and subsequent analysis of glucosamine (GlcN) using high performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) is described. This is the first report describing microwave-assisted hydrolysis of insect chitin combined with glucosamine determination by HPAEC. Chitin is hydrolysed to GlcN by microwave-assisted acidic hydrolysis (6 M sulphuric acid, 110 °C, 1 h). On a series of 15 insect samples, it was verified that accelerated hydrolysis using a microwave oven provides similar results as “classical” hydrolysis in an air heated thermostat, but in six-times shorter time. Further was proved that HPAEC-PAD provides comparable results of chitin content in insects with the already published electrophoretic method. An important feature of the presented method, in addition to high selectivity and sensitivity, is a significant reduction in analysis time. The described method is thus a suitable alternative to the recently published electrophoretic method.
Abstract The yellow mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor ) is a key species for sustainable insect production; however, the phenotypic consequences of crossbreeding among geographically distinct populations remain insufficiently characterised. In this study, we evaluated 16 crosses involving populations from Spain, China, South Korea and England under standardised laboratory conditions. Adult phenotypic traits assessed included body weight, body length, cuticle coloration (RGB-based index) and malformation incidence. Significant phenotypic differences were detected among cross types, particularly for adult body weight, which showed the highest discriminatory power among traits. Crosses between populations tended to be associated with higher body weight values and lower malformation frequencies compared to within-population crosses. In addition, cuticle coloration showed a moderate association with malformation incidence ( ), suggesting a potential relationship between coloration patterns and developmental variation. Multivariate analyses indicated that body size traits explained most of the observed phenotypic variation among crosses, whereas coloration contributed more weakly and appeared partially independent from the main axes of variation. The results reveal consistent phenotypic patterns associated with cross origin under controlled rearing conditions. However, the present study does not allow direct inference of underlying genetic mechanisms and environmental or developmental factors may also contribute to the observed variation. These findings provide preliminary insights that may support future breeding strategies and phenotypic screening approaches for T. molitor production systems.
Abstract Edible insects are a promising alternative protein source due to their nutritional value and low environmental impact. Costa Rica has a growing edible insect market led mainly by academia and entrepreneurs. This study explored consumer experiences, perceptions and sensory evaluation of edible insects among 169 participants (57% female, 43% male) recruited at a tasting event in San José, Costa Rica, in April 2023. Forty percent of participants had previously consumed insects, mainly crickets. Lack of access was the main reason for not consuming insects. Before the tasting, edible insects were primarily associated with the terms ‘nutritious/high in protein’ and ‘disgusting’; however, most associations were positive (44%) or neutral (35%). Participants were offered dried yellow mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor ), house cricket ( Acheta domesticus ) and house cricket-based cookies for tasting. Cookies were the most selected sample (40%), followed by whole dried house crickets (36%) and mealworms (26%). The taste of T. molitor was mostly described with the themes ‘familiar food products’, ‘bland’ and ‘crunchy’, whereas A. domesticus was associated with ‘familiar food products’, ‘tasty’ and ‘salty’. Less than 5% of responses described the insects taste as ‘disgusting’. House cricket cookies received mostly positive or neutral evaluations, with ‘tasty’ being the most common descriptor. After the tasting, 99% of participants expressed willingness to consume insects again. These findings suggest that edible insects have market potential among the surveyed population and highlight the importance of direct tasting experiences to reduce rejection and normalise insect consumption.
Abstract Edible insects represent a sustainable, nutritious and accessible alternative for addressing food security challenges. Consequently, energy-efficient processing techniques have been explored that maintain or improve product quality without altering its physicochemical properties. This study assessed multiple drying techniques applied to Atta mexicana ant , including a fluidised bed dryer (50 and 60 °C), a direct solar dryer with a polycarbonate cover, an indirect solar dryer coated with titanium oxide, an electric oven (50 and 60 °C) and a traditional comal. The initial moisture content of Atta mexicana was 97.49% (dry basis), with a water activity of 0.974. Its composition included 34.10% protein, 34.12% lipids, 25.90% fibre and 3.79% ash. The results show that all the drying methods used reduced water activity to below 0.6, ensuring the product’s microbiological stability. Furthermore, Atta mexicana retained its physicochemical quality, maintaining its profile of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Abstract Housefly larvae ( Musca domestica L.) can convert livestock manure into protein-rich biomass, addressing challenges in waste management and feed sustainability. This study investigated the combined effects of carbohydrate supplementation, larval density and harvest time on the growth and survival of housefly larvae reared on chicken excreta and on excreta bioconversion. A 3 × 4 × 2 factorial design comprised three carbohydrate treatments (unsupplemented, glucose-supplemented and starch-supplemented chicken excreta), four egg densities (8, 12, 16, 20 eggs/g substrate) and two harvest times (58 and 120 h). Carbohydrate supplementation increased larval biomass production and improved dry matter and nitrogen bioconversion relative to unsupplemented excreta, with responses generally increasing with egg density but plateauing at higher densities in starch-supplemented excreta, particularly at the later harvest. Larval survival rates at 58 h were similar among treatments, but by 120 h survival rates were markedly lower at low egg densities in both supplemented substrates. Increasing egg density largely eliminated these reductions, demonstrating that the effects of carbohydrate supplementation on survival were density dependent. Compared with unsupplemented and glucose-supplemented excreta, starch supplementation consistently resulted in lower residue pH. Factor analysis revealed that the dominant source of multivariate variation shifted from substrate at the 58 h harvest to egg density at the 120 h harvest. These findings demonstrate that the benefits of carbohydrate supplementation depend not only on substrate composition but also on larval density and harvest time, indicating the need to optimise these factors jointly in housefly manure bioconversion systems.
Abstract The shelf-stability of Hong-Jam was evaluated in two forms (raw and powder) for 16 weeks under four relative-humidity (RH) conditions. Peroxide value (POV) and acid value (AV) were determined as primary markers of lipid oxidation, while moisture content (MC) and pH were monitored as complementary quality factors. POV, AV and MC increased but pH decreased during storage, and their changes were depending on RH levels. Kinetic analysis showed that both POV and AV followed the first-order behaviour. In terms of the impact on the shelf-life, AV was found to play a more important role than POV, reflecting differences in surface area and water sorption. Pearson analysis demonstrated a strong positive correlation between MC and lipid oxidation factors ( ) and a strong negative correlation between pH and lipid oxidation factors. PCA also showed a negative correlation between pH and lipid oxidation factors. Partial least squares regression accurately predicted POV and AV from moisture and pH. PLS-DA visualized the same separation and was statistically significant ( ) but showed limited predictive power. However, random forest model distinguished the four RH levels with 71.7% overall accuracy, showing notably higher recall for the two intermediate RH levels. Consequently, relative humidity would be the principal hazard for shelf-stability of Hong-Jam and MC and pH could be used as rapid and low-cost co-indicators of lipid oxidation in this case. The kinetic and chemometric models provide practical frameworks for importance in low-humidity storage, protective packaging and real-time quality monitoring in insect-based foods.
Abstract The investigation evaluated the impact of different covering materials in solar dryers on the physical and chemical properties of yellow mealworms ( Tenebrio molitor L.). Five solar dryers were constructed using different cover materials, including transparent polycarbonate, glass, acrylic, dark polycarbonate and aluminium coated with titanium oxide. Their performance was compared to an electric stove at 50 °C. The yellow mealworms dried in the glass cover dryer achieved the lowest moisture content (1.39%) in the shortest time (240 min), due to its high internal temperature (72.56 °C) and ability to transmit over 90% of solar irradiance. The drying process increased the concentration of nutrients, including total proteins content, fats, fibre, carbohydrates, and ash content, due to water removal. The total protein content increased significantly in all dried samples. However, changes in colour parameters were observed, with a decrease in lightness and variations in hue angle and chroma. The smallest total colour difference between fresh and dried samples ( ) was recorded using the electric stove (11.43), followed by the titanium oxide dryer (12.8). The study carried out suggest that the use of solar dryers with specific covering materials can preserve the nutritional and colour properties of yellow mealworms, with the titanium oxide dryer being a promising option due to its ability to retain heat and eliminated Ultra Violet radiation (UV) exposure. Also it was possible to conclude that edible insects, such as yellow mealworms, represent a promising alternative protein source to address global food security challenges due to their high nutritional value.
Abstract This study aimed to determine metabolisable energy (ME), standardised ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA), and standardised total tract digestibility (STTD) of phosphorus (P) in various black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) sources in pigs. In experiment 1, six barrows were used to determine ME in a 6 × 7 incomplete Latin square design. A basal diet consisted of 976 g/kg corn and 5 diets contained 250 g/kg of 5 BSFL sources. In experiment 2, twelve barrows fitted with an ileal T-cannula were used to determine SID of AA in a replicated 6 × 5 incomplete Latin square design. Five diets contained each BSFL source used in experiment 1. A nitrogen-free diet was additionally prepared. In experiment 3, six barrows were used to determine STTD of P in a 6 × 7 incomplete Latin square design. Five diets contained 3 defatted BSFL, full-fat BSFL, or fish meal. A P-free diet was additionally prepared. The ME in full-fat BSFL were greater ( 0.05) than in defatted BSFL. The model for ME in BSFL was: ME (kJ/kg dry matter) = 16 115 + 15.29 × ether extract–12.55 × ash ( 0.99), with nutrients in g/kg dry matter. The SID of most AA differed ( ) among BSFL sources, and the STTD of P in full-fat BSFL was greater ( 0.05) than in 2 defatted BSFL sources and fish meal. Overall, full-fat BSFL contained greater ME than defatted BSFL, and AA and P digestibility differed among BSFL sources.
Abstract This study evaluated the valorisation of two agro-industrial byproducts, defatted rice bran (DRB) and discarded surimi seafood crabsticks (DSSCs), as rearing substrates for the black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens L.) to enhance its nutritional value and ensure feed safety for food applications. Two feed types with five replicates were compared: a modified feed (MF, DRB:DSSCs = 9:1, w/w) and an organic waste mixture (OW). MF-fed insects exhibited faster larval development, higher protein content (8.81%) ( ) and improved essential-to-nonessential amino acid ratio (up to 93%), whereas OW-fed insects showed higher lipid accumulation. Arsenic derived from DRB remained within the European Union safety limits but warrants monitoring for potential bioaccumulation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 711, 3757 and 5178 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in larvae, prepupae and pupae, respectively. In MF-fed insects, genes associated with energy metabolism and growth regulation, such as ATP5A1, LYZ, LYZ2, HSPA5-BIP, GST, SOD1, TNNI3, TPM1, TRPL and EYS, were upregulated, whereas those associated with lipid metabolism and immune responses, such as LIPA, CAMK, SPZ and JUN, were downregulated. Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis indicated the activation of oxidative phosphorylation, protein digestion and absorption and insect hormone biosynthesis pathways. These molecular responses align with enhanced growth and nutrient assimilation in MF-fed BSFs. Therefore, the integration of rice bran and surimi seafood byproducts can support efficient, safe and sustainable BSF production for circular food systems.
Abstract The nutritional composition of Apis mellifera adansonii tissue was evaluated to assess its potential as an alternative nutrient source. Comprehensive analyses included proximate composition, fatty acid profile, mineral content, amino acid profile and vitamin composition. The tissue contained high protein (30.30 ± 1.86%) and moderate fat (9.52 ± 0.74%), yielding 235.24 ± 15.58 kcal/100 g, indicating suitability as a protein-rich food. Fatty acid analysis revealed 48.92 ± 3.08% saturated fatty acids and 51.10 ± 2.86% monounsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid as the major unsaturated fatty acid, but no polyunsaturated fatty acids. Mineral analysis showed high concentrations of calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium, with notable selenium and copper levels, but low iron and zinc. All essential amino acids were present, with histidine, threonine, and lysine in adequate amounts; however, sulphur-containing and aromatic amino acids were limiting. Vitamin analysis indicated high levels of B-complex vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamine), adequate vitamin A and D, moderate vitamin E, but low folate and vitamin C. Collectively, Apis mellifera adansonii tissue is a nutrient-dense food, rich in protein, B vitamins, calcium, selenium, and oleic acid, but limited by the absence of polyunsaturated fatty acids, high sodium, and low iron, zinc, folate, and vitamin C. These findings highlight its potential as a supplemental food source for nutrition and food security, provided it is integrated into a balanced diet.
Abstract The growing global demand for aquaculture feed needs to be addressed with economically and environmentally sustainable solutions. In this review, we present an overview of the challenges and opportunities of using insects as feed for aquaculture in Europe and Latin America. We discuss the benefits and risks associated with the use of insect-based feed and highlight the differences in regulatory frameworks between the two regions. We also examine the current state of the market, and its potential for growth, and we shed light on the environmental impacts of using insects as feed. In addition, we provide detailed analyses of various insect species used in aquaculture feed in relation to their nutritional value and effects on fish growth and health. Particular attention is also paid to the main challenges and the opportunities associated with the use of agricultural and livestock waste for the production of insects, analysing regulatory constraints and providing insights into the future prospects of the industry. We conclude our analysis with an overview of current and emerging techniques for the authentication of insect species in aquafeed, also providing an outlook on future developments within the field.
Abstract The black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens L. ) and yellow mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor L.) are commercially produced on bio-wastes for incorporation into poultry diets. This study investigated the impact of food on H. illucens and T. molitor in terms of larval development, pupation, emergence rates, adult longevity, and egg production. Protein is a crucial component of insect diets, promoting rapid growth and development. However, most bio-wastes, such as fruit and vegetable wastes, are low in protein. Therefore, it is essential to explore efficient and cost-effective protein sources for insect diets. In this study, we evaluated the effects of mixing equal proportions of protein-rich moringa, Moringa oleifera , and lupin, Lupinus albus , in eight combinations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35%) with equal proportions of fruit, vegetable, and grain market wastes on several lifecycle and biological parameters of H. illucens and T. molitor . In both species, the shortest larval and pupal periods, as well as the highest larval and pupal weights and fecundity, were observed in the 35% moringa and lupin mixture. Nutritional composition of H. illucens and T. molitor larvae significantly improved ( ) when fed 35% moringa and lupin. Therefore, incorporating a blend of 35% moringa and lupin with equal proportions of fruit, vegetable, and grain market wastes can significantly enhance the mass multiplication of H. illucens and T. molitor . Future studies should evaluate even higher levels of moringa and lupin inclusion in the diet to achieve optimal insect biomass.
Abstract Edible insects have gained increasing attention as sustainable alternative protein sources due to their high nutritional value and lower environmental impact compared with conventional livestock. This study explored the extraction, optimisation, and characterisation of proteins from mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor ), superworm ( Zophobas morio ), and cricket ( Acheta domesticus ) using alkaline solubilisation and isoelectric precipitation. Process optimisation via Box-Behnken design revealed species-specific requirements: T. molitor and Z. morio achieved the highest yields (approx. 55%) at 45 °C, 30 min, and 1:26 g/ml, whereas A. domesticus required relatively more intensive extraction conditions (65 °C, 105 min) for a lower yield (39%). SDS-PAGE confirmed distinct protein banding patterns (30-80 kDa). In vitro digestion demonstrated excellent bioaccessibility, particularly in A. domesticus (96.9%), followed by Z. morio (93.4%) and T. molitor (76.8%). Amino acid profiling highlighted abundant essential amino acids, especially leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine, supporting their nutritional quality. In addition, insect proteins exhibited bioactive properties: phenolics (up to 2.71 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (7.94 μ M TE/g). As a result, optimised insect protein isolates combine high digestibility, nutritional richness, and functional potential, reinforcing their promise as sustainable protein alternatives for food innovation.
Abstract Amino acid (AA) requirements in black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) during the neonatal phase remain poorly investigated. A semi-artificial low-protein diet (NC, negative control, 14% protein) was compared to a poultry feed (PC, positive control, 18% protein) and a diet with 20 single AA added to NC to obtain a diet with 18% protein content simulating the AA profile of PC (RC, reference control). Additionally, 12 diets were formulated in which the six AAs Lys, Met, Thr, Arg, Ile and Trp were individually varied by either omitting or doubling respective contents, resulting in a reduction or excess of 31 to 46% relative to PC and RC (-AA and +AA treatments). In triplicate replication 10 000 neonates were reared for 10-14 days. Growth was most compromised in NC and -Lys. While -Met and -Trp growth was similar to PC, responses for -Arg, -Ile and -Thr were intermediate between PC and NC. Surplus levels of Met, Thr, Trp, and Ile did not, but of Lys and Arg improved performance compared with PC. Consequently, the fattening phase started 1–5 days earlier. Concluding, (i) Lys was first limiting in NC, (ii) Arg, Ile and Thr co-limited growth and (iii) Met and Trp did not limit growth. Striking responses of the indicator ‘age to target weight’ highlight the sensitivity of BSF neonates to differential AA provisions, with practical relevance for scaling up BSFL productions. Consequently, dietary AA supply considerably impacts economy of neonate production as a shortened production cycle would allow more production cycles per year.
Abstract Global population growth in both humans and animals is contributing to a shortage of proteins and fats derived from traditional sources such as meat and fish. As a result, alternative food sources such as insects are gaining increased attention. Edible insects are considered an excellent source of nutrients as they contain high-quality proteins, fats and vitamins. In Europe, entomophagy is relatively new and therefore concerns about its safety, potential beneficial health effects and nutritional value need to be considered. In this work, scientific literature was systematically searched using PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, resulting in 51 studies that examined the effects of edible insects as dietary ingredients on human and mammalian health. Findings suggest that edible insects such as black soldier fly larvae ( H. illucens ), silkworm ( B. mori ), yellow mealworm ( T. molitor ) and field cricket ( G. bimaculatus ) contain a wide range of bioactive peptides with potential antioxidant, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, entomophagy also entails certain risks, such as allergic reactions and potential contamination with harmful substances that may pose health concerns. A clear understanding of these benefits and risks is crucial for both consumers and industry stakeholders to make informed decisions, guide future research, regulations, and the responsible integration of edible insects into a sustainable food system.
Abstract Insect meals, particularly those from black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) larvae, represent a sustainable protein alternative that supports circular economy principles by recycling agro-industrial by-products. This study evaluated the effects of including full-fat black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in broiler diets on growth performance, specific faecal bacteria, and intestinal morphology. Four dietary treatments were tested: a Control diet, control with bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD; 0.2 g/kg), 5% BSFL and 10% BSFL. From 7 to 35 days, birds on the Control diet consumed less feed ( ) but achieved a 4% higher average daily gain than all other treatments. Birds fed 10% BSFL had poorer feed conversion compared with the remaining diets ( ). Total coliform counts were higher ( ) in birds receiving 10% BSFL, while E. coli , Lactobacillus sp., and Enterococcus spp. were unaffected ( ). Control-fed broilers exhibited longer villi and greater villi area compared with the BSFL and BMD diets ( ). Crypt depth was higher in birds fed the Control and 10% BSFL diets than in those given BMD, with intermediate values for 5% BSFL ( ). The villi-to-crypt ratio was lowest in the 10% BSFL group ( ). Increasing BSFL inclusion linearly reduced average daily feed intake, average daily gain, villi length, villi area, and villi-to-crypt ratio ( ). Overall, full-fat BSFL inclusion impaired growth performance and intestinal health indicators, particularly at 10%, suggesting inclusion levels should not exceed 5%.
Abstract The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), is a key species in sustainable protein production and organic waste bioconversion. While larval nutrition has been extensively investigated, the role of pupation substrate particularly its physical properties in shaping adult emergence and reproductive performance remains poorly resolved. This study evaluated four pupation substrates (sand, coconut coir, sawdust, and corrugated cardboard) differing in particle structure, porosity, and moisture retention capacity. Late-instar larvae (n = 200 per replicate; five replicates per treatment) were reared under controlled conditions (27 ± 1 °C; 70 ± 5% RH; 12:12 h L:D). Substrate type significantly affected pupation rate, pupal duration, adult emergence, fecundity, and egg hatchability ( ). Coconut coir, characterised by high porosity and moisture buffering capacity, yielded the highest pupation rate (95.1 ± 1.7%), shortest pupal duration (12.1 ± 0.4 days), and greatest emergence (92.3 ± 2.1%). In contrast, sand, with higher compactability and lower moisture retention, resulted in reduced pupation success (81.2 ± 3.5%) and prolonged development (14.8 ± 0.6 days). Fecundity followed similar trends, with coir producing 512 ± 36 eggs per female compared to 389 ± 27 in sand. Egg hatchability varied among treatments; however, differences are more likely attributable to incubation microconditions rather than maternal physiological effects. These findings demonstrate that substrate physical structure rather than composition alone plays a dominant role in pupal success and downstream reproductive performance. Optimising pupation substrates with appropriate aeration, particle size distribution, and moisture stability can substantially improve productivity in industrial mass-rearing systems.
Abstract Insects in pet food are already a reality, and insightful information is available on nutrition and health. However, studies on insect-based kibble quality remain scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) levels on kibble characteristics and in vitro digestibility. Six isonitrogenous dog foods were formulated following the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) guidelines: one control (0% BSFL) and five with increasing BSFL levels (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%). All diets were extruded at the same conditions, and per diet, three samples were collected in a five-minute interval during extrusion. Data were tested for normality (Shapiro-wilk). Parametric data were analysed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test, while non-parametric by Kruskal-Wallis, at a 95% probability. Increasing levels of BSFL affected pasting properties (PT) ( ) of the raw mixtures, suggesting demised starch gelatinization. Also, higher water absorption index was observed ( ) at higher levels of BSFL inclusion. Increasing BSFL lowered the expansion index, increased hardness ( ), and changed in microstructure and darker kibbles ( ). The inclusion of 100% BSFL lowered dry matter (DM) in vitro digestibility ( ), compared to the other diets. Digestibility of crude protein (CP), however, was lower than control from 40% BSFL inclusion ( ) onwards. Nonetheless, both DM and CP digestibility of all diets are within the advised minimum limits of FEDIAF. Lastly, multiple bands at different wavenumbers could be distinguished on the Fourier-transformed infrared spectrometer spectra (FT-IR) among diets. Regardless unfavourable effects of increasing BSFL inclusion levels on PT and kibble characteristics, all diets were successfully extruded. These effects did not compromise the kibble quality and in vitro digestibility. Thus, BSFL meal inclusion can be used in dog food at any inclusion level.
Abstract Organic waste from shrimp and fish has the potential to serve as a valuable nutrient source for insect rearing, particularly as a source of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Owing to their high protein content, larvae of M. domestica represent a promising ingredient for aquaculture feeds. In this study, fish and shrimp waste were collected from local markets, processed and incorporated as rearing substrate to produce insect meal (IM). Two experiments were conducted using different substrates: wheat bran, fish waste meal (FWM) and shrimp waste meal (SWM). Each treatment was conducted in triplicate over a one-week rearing period. The samples were evaluated for proximate composition, amino acid content (AA) and fatty acid content (FA). Results showed that by adding protein and lipid-rich sources to the rearing substrate, larvae of M. domestica exhibited increased lipid accumulation (up to 13.24% higher than control) thereby diminishing protein content (8.24% protein decrease). Analysis of AA showed an increase in the taurine concentration when both FWM and SWM were included in the substrate (0.21 and 0.09 g/100 g, respectively). FA analysis demonstrated that larvae accumulate long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) when these fatty acids are available in the substrate, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which showed the highest concentration. Moreover, an accumulation of palmitoleic acid (16:1 n-7) was observed. These findings suggest that fish and shrimp waste can be upcycled into IM with enhanced lipid composition, particularly LC-PUFAs.
