Production of Maggots using Different Manure Substrates for Fish Feed Supplements

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable protein sources and effective waste management solutions has led to the exploration of insect larvae, particularly maggots, as a valuable resource. This study evaluates the impact of different manure substrates and manure weight on maggot production. Three manure types; Cow Manure (CM), Poultry Manure (PM), and Swine Manure (SM) were tested at three weight levels (5kg, 10kg, and 20kg) to determine their effectiveness in maggot yield. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and maggot production was carried out using the wetting method with blood as an attractant. Results demonstrated a significant effect (p<0.05) of manure type and weight on maggot yield. Poultry Manure consistently yielded the highest maggot biomass across all weight levels, followed by Swine Manure, while Cow Manure produced the lowest yields. A positive correlation was observed between manure weight and maggot production, with higher manure quantities supporting greater yields. This suggests that nutrient availability and microbial activity play a role in optimizing larval growth. The findings show the potential of Poultry Manure as the most effective substrate for large-scale maggot production, offering an eco-friendly alternative protein source for livestock and fish feed and contributing to organic waste recycling.