Utilization of Black Soldier Fly Larvae as an Alternative Protein Source in Weaned Piglet and Canine Diets = 자돈과 강아지 사료에서 대체 단백질 원료로서 동애등에의 이용

국문 초록 (Abstract)

이 실험의 목적은 다음과 같다. 첫째, 이유 자돈사료에서 어분 대체재로 동애등에(BSF) 유충의 활용 가능성을 조사히며 둘째, 이유 자돈사료에서 혈장 단백질 대체재로 BSF 유충의 활용 가능성을 평가한다. 셋째, 강아지 사료에서 계육분 대체재로 BSF 유충 분말의 활용 가능성을 조사하였다.

Experiment I. Black Soldier Fly Larvae as an Altenative for Fish Meal in Weaned Piglet Diets

이 연구에서는 이유자돈 사료에 어분 대신 동애등에(BSF, Hermetia illucens) 유충를 사용하는 것에 대해 조사했다. 160마리의 이유 후 돼지(7.47 ± 0.020 kg)를 무작위로 4개의 사료 처치군에 할당하여 4주간의 사료 급여 실험을 실시했다. 1) CON (어분 4%), 2) BSF25 (어분 3% + BSF 1%), 3) BSF50 (어분 2% + BSF 2%), 및 4) BSF100 (어분 0% + BSF 4%). 성장성, 혈액 프로파일, 및 설사 발생률을 평가했다. 결과는 BSF의 포함량이 증가함에 따라 평균 일일 사료 섭취량(ADFI)이 증가하는 경향(460.95 g/d에서 488.86 g/d; P=0.09)을 보였으며, 사료 효율성(G:F)은 선형적으로 감소하는 경향(0.73에서 0.63; P=0.06)을 나타냈다. 또한 BSF 함량이 증가함에 따라 혈액 지표인 알부민(2.44 g/dL에서 2.80 g/dL), 총 단백질(5.20 g/dL에서 5.78 g/dL), 글루코스(104.40 mg/dL에서 109.80 mg/dL)가 유의미하게 증가했다(P≤0.05). 동시에 크레아티닌 수치는 감소했다(0.77 mg/dL에서 0.53 mg/dL; P=0.02), 그러나 모든 값은 생리적 범위 내에 머물렀다. 다양한 처리군 간 설사 발생률에 유의미한 차이는 관찰되지 않았다. 전체 성장성, 생리적 지표 및 경제적 고려 사항을 종합할 때, 어분(fish meal)의 50%를 BSF 유충으로 대체하는 것이 이유자돈에게 최적의 포함 수준으로 나타났다. 이 연구는 BSF 유충이 해양 유래 원료에 대한 의존도를 줄이면서 성능을 유지할 수 있는 돼지 사료의 유망하고 지속 가능한 대체 단백질 원천임을 입증했다.


Experiment II. Black Soldier Fly Larvae as a Plasma Protein Substitute in Weaned Piglet Diets

이 연구는 동애등에(BSF; Hermetia illucens) 유충이 이유자돈 사료에서 고가의 혈장 단백질을 대체하면서 성장 유지와 비용 절감을 달성할 수 있는지 조사했다. 초기 체중 8.12 ± 0.010 kg의 이유돈 192마리를 28일 동안 두 단계 사료 공급 프로그램의 일환으로 4개의 사료 처리 그룹 중 하나에 무작위로 배정했다. 처리 그룹은 다음과 같다: 대조군(CON): 혈장 단백질을 포함한 사료; BSF 유충으로 혈장 단백질의 25%를 대체한 사료(BSF25); BSF 유충으로 혈장 단백질의 50%를 대체한 사료(BSF50); BSF 유충으로 혈장 단백질의 100%를 대체한 사료(BSF100). 결과는 BSF 포함에 대한 단계별 반응을 보여주었다. 첫 2주 동안 BSF25 사료가 가장 높은 체중(P = 0.01)과 최적의 경제적 효율성(대조군 대비 96.7%)을 보였으며, BSF 포함량이 증가함에 따라 평균 일일 증체량과 사료 효율성이 선형적으로 감소했다(P = 0.03). 4주 후 알부민 농도는 정상 범위 내에 유지되었으나, BSF 포함량이 증가함에 따라 선형적으로 감소했다(P < 0.01). HDL 콜레스테롤 수치는 BSF 포함량에 따라 선형적으로 증가했다(P = 0.03), 이는 지질 프로파일 개선을 시사한다. BSF50 그룹은 4주 후 설사 발생률이 감소했다(P < 0.10), 이는 중간 수준의 첨가 시 장 건강 개선 효과를 시사한다. 경제적 분석 결과, BSF25가 초기 단유 기간에 가장 비용 효율적이었다. 돼지가 성장함에 따라 더 높은 첨가 수준이 가능해졌다. 이 결과는 0–2주 동안 혈장 단백질의 25%를 대체하고 3–4주 동안 50%로 증가시키는 단계별 급여 전략을 지원한다. 이 전략은 성장 성능, 건강 지표, 경제적 효율성을 균형 있게 유지하며, 고가의 혈장 단백질(kg당 $5.50 대비 BSF 유충 kg당 $4.00)에 대한 의존도를 줄인다. BSF 유충은 단유 돼지에게 지속 가능하고 비용 효율적인 단백질 원료로 큰 잠재력을 보여준다. 환경 영향 감소와 자원 활용도 개선을 통해 동물 성능과 농업 지속 가능성 목표를 지원한다.

Experiment III. Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as an Alternative to Poultry Meal in Canine Diets

본 연구는 강아지 사료에서 계육분 대신 동애등에(BSF, Hermetia illucens) 유충 분말을 대체원으로 사용한 경우의 기호성, 영양적 적절성, 생리적 안전성을 평가했다. 4개 품종의 건강한 성견 12마리를 무작위로 3개의 사료 처리 그룹에 배정하여 4주간의 사료 급여 실험을 진행했다. 세 가지 사료 그룹은 다음과 같습니다: 대조군 사료(가금류 사료 25% 함유); BSF20 사료(가금류 사료 20.7% 및 BSF 유충 분말 5% 함유); BSF50 사료(가금류 사료 12% 및 BSF 유충 분말 15% 함유). 모든 사료는 동질 질소 및 동질 칼로리로 조제되었다. 평가된 파라미터에는 표준화된 두 그릇 선호도 테스트를 통해 측정된 기호성, 성장 성능, 체형 평가, 분변 품질, 종합 혈액 분석이 포함되었다. BSF 유충 분말은 단순한 수용성보다는 기호성 향상을 보여주는 놀라운 결과를 나타냈다. 강아지들은 BSF50 사료에 대해 통계적으로 유의미한 선호도를 보였으며(P = 0.001), BSF50 사료 섭취량이 65.5%로 대조군 사료의 34.5%보다 높았다. BSF20 사료도 강한 선호도 경향을 보였으며(P = 0.068), 섭취 비율은 58.6% 대 41.4%였다. 측정된 모든 파라미터에서 부작용은 관찰되지 않았다. 체중과 체형 점수는 연구 기간 내내 안정적으로 유지되었으며 이상 범위 내에 있었다. 분변 품질 점수(5점 척도에서 2.63–2.75)는 우수한 소화 내성을 나타냈다. 모든 혈액 생화학 및 혈액학적 파라미터는 정상 생리적 범위 내에 유지되었으며, 일부는 유익한 면역 조절 효과를 시사했다. 이 연구는 BSF 유충 분말이 ㄱ
계육분을 최대 50%(총 사료의 15%)를 대체하면서 기호성을 크게 향상시킬 수 있음을 강력히 입증했다. 우수한 기호성, 영양적 적절성의 유지, 우수한 안전성 프로파일, 그리고 상당한 환경적 이점을 결합한 BSF 유충 분말은 전통적인 단백질 원료를 단순히 대체하는 것이 아니라 이를 뛰어넘는 원료로 자리매김 가능해 보인다. 이 결과는 지속 가능성에 대한 소비자 요구와 반려동물 영양에서 향상된 식욕성의 기본적 요구를 충족시킴으로써 프리미엄 반려동물 사료 제형에서 BSF 유충 분말의 상업적 타당성을 뒷받침한다.

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The objectives of the present experiments were as follows: firstly, to investigate the utilization of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae as an alternative for fish meal in weaned piglet diets; secondly, to evaluate the utilization of BSF larvae as a plasma protein substitute in weaned piglet diets; and thirdly, to investigate the utilization of BSF larvae meal as an alternative to poultry meal in canine diets.


Experiment I. Black Soldier Fly Larvae as an Alternative for Fish Meal in Weaned Piglet Diets

The present study investigated the effects of substituting fish meal with black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae in weaned piglet diets. A 4-week feeding trial was conducted using 160 weaned piglets (7.47 ± 0.020 kg) randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: 1) CON (4% fish meal), 2) BSF25 (3% fish meal + 1% BSF), 3) BSF50 (2% fish meal + 2% BSF), and 4) BSF100 (0% fish meal + 4% BSF). Growth performance, blood profiles, and diarrhea incidence were evaluated. The results demonstrated that as the inclusion of BSF increased, there was a tendency for an increase in average daily feed intake (ADFI) (460.95 g/d to 488.86 g/d; P=0.09) while feed efficiency (G:F) (0.73 to 0.63; P=0.06) tended to decrease linearly. Furthermore, an increase in blood parameters, including albumin (2.44 g/dL to 2.80 g/dL), total protein (5.20 g/dL to 5.78 g/dL), and glucose (104.40 mg/dL to 109.80 mg/dL), was observed with higher BSF inclusion (P≤0.05). Concurrently, creatinine levels decreased (0.77 mg/dL to 0.53 mg/dL; P=0.02), although all values remained within physiological ranges. No significant differences in the incidence of diarrhoea were observed between the various treatments. On the basis of overall performance, together with physiological parameters and economic considerations, it appears that replacing 50% of fish meal with BSF larvae represents the optimal inclusion level for weaned piglets. This study demonstrates that BSF larvae represent a viable, sustainable alternative protein source in swine nutrition that can reduce dependency on marine-derived ingredients while maintaining performance.


Experiment II. Black Soldier Fly Larvae as a Plasma Protein Substitute in Weaned Piglet Diets

This study examined whether black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larvae could replace expensive plasma protein in weaned piglet diets while maintaining growth and reducing costs. A total of 192 weaned piglets with an initial body weight of 8.12 ± 0.010 kg were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatment groups for 28 days as part of a two-phase feeding program. The treatment groups were as follows: a control diet containing plasma protein (CON); a diet containing 25% plasma protein replacement with BSF larvae (BSF25); a diet containing 50% plasma protein replacement with BSF larvae (BSF50); and a diet containing 100% plasma protein replacement with BSF larvae (BSF100).
The results demonstrated a phase-dependent response to BSF inclusion. During the first two critical weeks, the BSF25 diet produced the highest body weight (P = 0.01) and optimal economic efficiency (96.7% relative to the control diet), while higher levels of BSF inclusion resulted in a linear decline in average daily gain and feed efficiency (P = 0.03). After four weeks, albumin concentrations remained within normal ranges, though they decreased linearly with increasing BSF inclusion (P < 0.01). HDL cholesterol levels increased linearly with BSF inclusion (P = 0.03), suggesting improved lipid profiles. The BSF50 group exhibited reduced diarrhea incidence at four weeks (P < 0.10), indicating potential gut health benefits at moderate inclusion levels.
An economic analysis revealed that BSF25 was the most cost-effective during the early weaning period. Higher inclusion levels became viable as the piglets matured. These results support a phase-feeding strategy of replacing 25% of the plasma protein during weeks 0–2 and increasing to 50% during weeks 3–4. This strategy balances growth performance, health parameters, and economic efficiency, all while reducing dependence on expensive plasma protein ($5.50/kg versus $4.00/kg for BSF larvae).
BSF larvae demonstrate significant potential as a sustainable, cost-effective protein source for weaned piglets. They support animal performance and agricultural sustainability objectives by reducing environmental impact and improving resource utilization.

Experiment III. Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as an Alternative to Poultry Meal in Canine Diets

The pet food industry urgently needs sustainable protein alternatives that meet environmental and palatability demands. This study examined the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae meal as a substitute for conventional poultry meal in canine diets, focusing on palatability, nutritional adequacy, and physiological safety. Twelve healthy adult dogs of four different breeds were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatment groups for a four-week feeding trial. The three treatment groups were as follows: a control diet containing 25% poultry meal; a BSF20 diet containing 20.7% poultry meal and 5% BSF larvae meal; and a BSF50 diet containing 12% poultry meal and 15% BSF larvae meal. All diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. Parameters assessed included palatability, as determined by standardized two-bowl preference tests; growth performance; body condition scoring; stool quality; and comprehensive blood analysis. The BSF larvae meal demonstrated remarkable palatability enhancement rather than mere acceptability. Dogs showed a statistically significant preference for the BSF50 diet (P = 0.001), consuming 65.5% BSF50 versus 34.5% of the control diet. The BSF20 diet also showed a strong preference trend (P = 0.068), with consumption ratios of 58.6% versus 41.4% for the control diet. No adverse effects were observed across any measured parameters. Body weight and condition scores remained stable and within ideal ranges throughout the study. Stool quality scores (2.63–2.75 on a 5-point scale) indicated excellent digestive tolerance. All blood biochemistry and hematological parameters remained within normal physiological ranges, with some suggesting beneficial immunomodulatory effects. This study provides compelling evidence that BSF larvae meal can replace up to 50% of poultry meal (15% of the total diet) while significantly enhancing palatability, which is a paradigm shift from typical alternative protein research. The combination of superior palatability, maintained nutritional adequacy, an excellent safety profile, and substantial environmental benefits establishes BSF larvae meal as a transformative ingredient that surpasses conventional protein sources rather than merely replacing them. These findings support the commercial viability of BSF larvae meal in premium pet food formulations by addressing consumer demand for sustainability and the fundamental requirement for enhanced palatability in companion animal nutrition.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• Overall Summary i
• Contents v
• List of Tables viii
• List of Figures ix
• List of Abbreviation x
• Chapter I. General Introduction 1
• Chapter II. Review of Literature 4
• 1. Introduction: The Protein Challenge in Animal Nutrition 4
• 1.1 Current Constraints of Conventional Protein Sources 4
• 1.2 The Search for Sustainable Alternatives 5
• 2 Black Soldier Fly as an Alternative Protein Source 7
• 2.1 Comparative Advantages Over Other Insect Species 7
• 2.2 Nutritional Profile of BSF Larvae 11
• 2.3 Environmental Sustainability of BSF Production 11
• 3. Black Soldier Fly as a Substitute for Fish Meal in Weaning Pig Diets 15
• 3.1 Nutritional Value of Fishmeal in Weaning Pig Nutrition 15
• 3.2 Amino Acid Digestibility of BSF in Weaning Pigs 15
• 3.3 Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency 16
• 3.4 Effects on Gut Health and Immune Function 16
• 4. Black Soldier Fly as a Substitute for Plasma Protein in Weaning Pig Diets 17
• 4.1 Functional Properties of Plasma Protein in Weaning Pig Nutrition 17
• 4.2 Functional Properties of BSF Proteins in Weaning Pigs 17
• 4.3 Post-weaning Performance and Health Outcomes 18
• 4.4 Economic Implications 18
• 5. Black Soldier Fly as a Substitute for Poultry Meal in Dog Diets 18
• 5.1 Nutritional Role of Poultry Meal in Commercial Dog Foods 19
• 5.2 Digestibility and Palatability of BSF in Canine Diets 19
• 5.3 Effects on Canine Gut Microbiota and Health Markers 19
• 5.4 Potential for Hypoallergenic Diets 20
• 5.5 Consumer Acceptance and Market Potential 20
• 6. Challenges and Future Perspectives in BSF Utilization 21
• 6.1 Industrial Feasibility and Production Scalability 21
• 6.2 Regulatory Frameworks and Legal Standards 21
• 6.3 Future Research Directions 22
• 6.4 Integration into Sustainable Animal Production Systems 23
• 7. Literature cited 24
• Chapter III. Black Soldier Fly Larvae as an Alternative for Fish Meal in Weaned Piglet Diets 28
• 1. INTRODUCTION 29
• 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 32
• 2.1. Experimental Animals and Housing Environment 32
• 2.2. Black Soldier Fly Larvae Processing and Nutritional Composition 33
• 2.3. Experimental Diets 35
• 2.4. Growth Performance Measurements 35
• 2.5. Blood Profiles 35
• 2.6. Diarrhea Incidence 36
• 2.7. Economic Analysis 37
• 2.8. Statistical Analysis 37
• 3. Results and Discussion 37
• 3.1. Growth Performance 38
• 3.2. Blood Profiles 41
• 3.3. Diarrhea Incidence 45
• 3.4. Economic Analysis 46
• 4. Conclusion 48
• REFERENCES 50
• Chapter IV. Black Soldier Fly Larvae as a Plasma Protein Substitute in Weaned Piglet Diets 69
• 1. Introduction 71
• 2. Materials and Methods 74
• 2.1 Experimental Animals and Housing 74
• 2.2 Black Soldier Fly Larvae Production, Processing, and Nutritional Analysis 74
• 2.3 Experimental Diets 75
• 2.4 Growth Performance Measurements 76
• 2.5 Blood Profiles 76
• 2.6 Diarrhea Incidence 77
• 2.7 Statistical Analysis 77
• 2.8 Economic Analysis 77
• 3. Results and Discussion 77
• 3.1 Growth Performance 77
• 3.2 Blood Profiles 80
• 3.3 Diarrhea Incidence 83
• 3.4 Economic Analysis 84
• 4. Conclusion 85
• REFERENCES 88
• Chapter V. Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as an Alternative to Poultry Meal in Canine Diets 103
• 1. INTRODUCTION 104
• 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 105
• 2.1 Experimental Animals and Housing 105
• 2.2 BSF Larvae Meal Production and Processing 105
• 2.3 Nutrient Analysis Methods 106
• 2.4 Experimental Design and Diets 106
• 2.5 Measurements and Data Collection 107
• 2.6 Statistical Analysis 109
• 2.7 Economy Analysis 110
• 3. Results 110
• 3.1 Palatability Test 110
• 3.2 Growth Performance and Body Condition Score 111
• 3.3 Stool Quality 113
• 3.4 Blood Analysis 114
• 3.5 Economic Analysis 116
• 4. Discussion 116
• 4.1 Palatability and Feed Acceptance 116
• 4.2 Growth Performance and Body Condition 117
• 4.3 Digestive Health and Stool Quality 118
• 4.4 Physiological Safety and Hematological Implications 119
• 4.5 Environmental Sustainability and Economic Considerations 121
• 5. Conclusion 121
• REFERENCES 124
• Chapter VI. Overall Conclusion 139
• Chapter VII. Summary in Korean 142
• Acknowledgement 145