# RES

Project Title: Application of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) in Organic Waste Recycling and Optimization of High-Value Protein Production for Animal Feed
Partners: Faculty of Science (PMF)
Project Start Year: 2024
Status: Active
Species: Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens)

Project Overview:

This project focuses on exploring the potential of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) for recycling organic waste and producing high-quality protein for animal feed. The larvae are cultivated on various types of waste, including fruit and vegetable scraps and chicken feed, while controlling variables such as temperature and humidity. Key performance indicators, such as larval growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and biomass yield, are analyzed to optimize rearing conditions.
The project also assesses the nutritional potential of the larvae and their application in the diets of zoo animals, including evaluations of different processing methods like drying and oil extraction. The use of BSFL brings dual benefits: reducing waste and providing a sustainable protein source for animal feed.

Project Objectives:

The project aims to investigate the effectiveness of BSFL in recycling various types of organic waste and to optimize the conditions for rearing to maximize growth and high-value protein production. This contributes to sustainable bio-waste management and enables the use of larvae as a high-quality protein source for animal feed, reducing dependence on conventional protein sources.
The project emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices at the Zagreb Zoo and their application in waste reduction and improvement of animal welfare.
The results and methods developed through this project can serve as an example and motivation for other zoos and similar institutions to implement sustainable solutions that enhance ecological responsibility.

Summary:

The project explores the use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) for recycling organic waste and producing high-quality protein for animal feed. This initiative helps reduce waste and provides a sustainable protein source for animals, contributing to resource management sustainability at the Zagreb Zoo.