Enhancing performance of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae by feeding on king oyster mushroom as a source of β-glucan

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with king oyster mushroom (KOM) on the growth performance, nutritional properties, and β-glucan content in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL). Although BSFL are an excellent source of high-quality protein, they naturally have low β-glucan content, which is renowned for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Using chicken feed as a basal medium, fortified with varying concentrations of KOM (0-50%), the growth performance, nutritional value, β-glucan content, and bioactive properties of the larvae were assessed through in vitro assays. By the seventh day, BSFL reared on 10% KOM-supplemented feed showed a significant increase in body weight to 51.64 ± 0.9 mg, compared to 36.74 ± 1.22 mg for those on non-supplemented feed, representing a 13-fold increase from the initial weight of 4 mg on day 0. Additionally, larvae on 10% KOM showed a 9.12% increase in protein content (33.65 ± 0.009%) and a 14.56% increase in lipid content (33.053 ± 0.012%) compared to those on non-supplemented feed. KOM supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the β-glucan content, with a remarkable 36-fold increase at 50% KOM. Moreover, hot water extracts from larvae fed on 10% KOM-fortified feed exhibited enhanced antioxidant activities, such as DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Anti-inflammatory activities were also indicated by reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Overall, the findings suggest that KOM supplementation significantly boosts β-glucan content, growth performance, nutritional value, and bioactive properties in BSFL, indicating their potential as a functional food and feed source offering enhanced nutritional and health benefits. © 2025 S. Mansoor et al.