Mineral supplementation effects on the gastrointestinal microbiota of black soldier fly larvae

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are highly adaptable organisms that can efficiently convert a variety of organic waste materials into valuable nutrients. This makes BSF excellent candidates to establish agricultural value chains utilising side streams and their reintegration into the feed and food supply are of great importance. The present study investigates the impact of BSF larvae reared on different diets (chicken feed, high-fiber Gainesville fly diet, and Gainesville fly diet supplemented with biochar or single superphosphate) on the gastrointestinal microbiota, analyzed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The BSF larvae and its commensal microbiota demonstrate remarkable adaptability, modifying their feeding environment to create optimal conditions for nutrient absorption and thus the growth of the larvae.