Nutritional composition analysis of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) at different developmental stages and forms for application in blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) feed
Keywords:
Blue swimming crab, BSF, Feed, Protein, LipidAbstract
This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and evaluate the nutritional potential of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) at different developmental stages for application in formulated diets for blue swimming crabs (Portunus pelagicus). Six BSF sample groups were analyzed, including larvae and pupae in three forms: fresh, oven-dried (105°C for 2 hours), and oil-extracted (via cold-press extraction). All samples were subjected to chemical composition analysis, chitin content and structure determination, lipid and cholesterol quantification, fatty acid profiling, and FTIR spectroscopy to assess functional groups in BSF oil. Results indicated that oven-dried pupae and oil-extracted larvae had significantly higher protein content than other treatments (p<0.05). The highest chitin content was found in oil-extracted pupae (p<0.05). Notably, FTIR spectral analysis showed that chitin extracted from oil-extracted BSF larvae closely resembled that from marine-derived sources, such as ovigerous and juvenile crabs, highlighting its potential as a marine chitin substitute. The oil extracted from BSF pupae was rich in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, had a higher melting point compared to fish oil, and contained lower cholesterol levels. Although the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as DHA and EPA was relatively low, the overall lipid profile suggests functional value as an alternative energy source. In conclusion, BSF-derived ingredients, particularly oil-extracted pupae, show promising potential as sustainable sources of protein, lipid, and chitin for use in aquafeeds. These results support the application of BSF products as alternative ingredients in commercial blue swimming crab diets, both for adult and broodstock stages.
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