Optimizing broiler feather waste as a nitrogen-rich substrate to enhance black soldier fly larvae growth and nutrient composition

Feather waste from broiler slaughterhouses has become a significant environmental challenge due to its high keratin content and low degradability. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of feather waste as a growth substrate for black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens L.) larvae (BSF-L), focusing on larval growth performance, substrate bioconversion, and nutrient composition of the biomass and frass. Five treatments were applied: organic waste as a control (T0) and substituted with 5% ground feather (T1), 10% ground feather (T2), 5% non-ground feather (T3), and 10% non-ground feather (T4). Each treatment consisted of five replicates, with larvae reared from day 6 to 14. Results indicated that the addition of feather waste into the growth substrate significantly increased larval length and weight on days 12 and 14 ( P < 0.001), with the highest biomass observed in non-ground feather treatments. Furthermore, feather waste improved waste reduction rates, with enhanced organic matter, crude protein, and nitrogen content in both larvae and frass ( P < 0.05). Notably, the non-ground feather waste increased larval growth performance and nutrient retention( P < 0.05). The frass produced in feather waste treatment groups demonstrated enhanced organic content ( P < 0.05). These findings highlight the potential of feather waste from broiler slaughterhouses as a nitrogen-rich substrate to enhance BSF-L growth and nutrient composition. • Feather waste significantly increased larval length, weight, and biomass. • Addition of feather waste into growth substrate improved waste reduction rates and bioconversion. • Feather waste enhanced the larval chemical composition and nitrogen convertion • The addition of feather waste into substrates resulted significantly better outcomes, highlighting their potential to enhance larval growth and improve waste management.