Bioconversion of oil palm empty fruit bunch and kernel meal by black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) as an alternative protein and fat source
Brahmani Dewa Bajra (a*), M. Edwin Syahputra Lubis (b), Bagus Giri Yudanto (a), Frisda Rimbun Panjaitan (a), Ilmi Fadhilah Rizki (a), Manda Edy Mulyono (a), Mulki Salendra Kusumah (a)

a) Department of Downstream Research, Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute,
Jl. Brigjend Katamso No. 51, North Sumatera, Indonesia 20158
*brahmanidewabajra[at]iopri.org
b) Department of Soil Science and Agronomy Research, Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute,
Jl. Brigjend Katamso No. 51, North Sumatera, Indonesia 20158

Abstract

Palm oil is a major commodity sold in Indonesia and adds to agricultural revenue. However, the industry has not found the ideal biomass treatment. Oil palm biomass, such as empty fruit bunch and palm kernel meal, is indigestible due to its lignocellulosic nature, hence a bioreactor was needed to turn it into a high-value product. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), noted for its polyphagous tendencies, has been examined as a bioreactor for oil palm biomass conversion. This research investigates the possibility of converting oil palm biomass using black soldier fly larvae to produce protein and fat. high EFB and low PKM (HELP) and low EFB and high PKM (LEHP) groups switched formulations on two feeding days for 20 days. Larval protein, fat, growth, and survival were investigated. The larval groups fed LEHP and HELP had the best FCR of 3.5 and lowest death rate of 10%. Protein (50.04%) and fat (48.1%) are retained greater by this group. Day 16 fat gain was highest in HELP and LEHP at 49.99%. The LEHP-HELP group contained 51.47% protein. This research reveals that oil palm biomass fed black soldier fly may generate specific and high value protein and fat.

Keywords: Black Soldier Fly, Fat, Palm Oil, Protein, Waste Management

Topic: Waste and environmental management