Comparative Analysis of In Vitro Fermentation Parameters in Total Mixed Rations of Dairy Cows with Varied Levels of Defatted Black Soldier Fly Larvae (<i>Hermetia illucens</i>) as a Substitute for Soybean Meal

Abstract

In this study, we compared the digestibility levels and in vitro fermentation parameters of total mixed rations (TMRs) containing 20% and 40% defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSF) as a substitute for soybean meal (SBM) in the basal ration (60% roughage/40% concentrated feed) of dairy cows. We evaluated the volatile fatty acid (VFA), total gas production, methane emission, ammonia, pH, carbon dioxide, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) of the TMR0 (basal), TMR20 (20% BSF included), and TMR40 (40% BSF included) diets at the end of 24 and 48 h of incubation. Significantly lower levels of ammonia formation were found in the TMR20 and TMR40 groups at 24 and 48 h (p p p p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of BSF had a positive impact on digestibility and in vitro rumen fermentation. Therefore, we recommend the use of BSF in formulating dairy cow rations.

Keywords

• black soldier fly larvae
• digestibility
• in vitro rumen fermentation
• total mixed ration