LAUSR

Simple Summary Black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.), larvae (BSFL) efficiently convert organic low-value substrates into high-value proteins, lipids, and chitin, offering solutions to global challenges in sustainable food production and biotechnological innovation. While BSFL-derived products, such as BSFL protein meal for animal feed, have been widely studied, the nutritional requirements of BSFL themselves remain insufficiently explored, and knowledge in this area is still limited. This study investigates the impact of dietary protein levels (10%, 14%, 16%, and 20% crude protein, CP) in isoenergetic diets on BSFL growth performance and nutrient utilization. Our findings indicate that larvae fed diets containing 14% protein exhibited the highest growth rates and the most efficient conversion of nutrients. In contrast, larvae on a high-protein diet (20%) accumulated the highest levels of minerals, such as calcium, yet exhibited a reduced retention of nitrogen and amino acids. On the other hand, low-protein diets (10%) led to decreased larval growth, lower chitin and higher fat deposition in the larvae. These findings highlight the importance of balancing dietary protein to optimize BSFL farming and improve sustainable production strategies.