The Influence of Antibiotic Ceftriaxone on the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens)

Antibiotics are intensively used when raising farm animals. As a result they accumulate in livestock waste, meat, and milk and can enter the soil and groundwater. Edible insects can effectively process agricultural waste reducing the concentration of drugs. In addition, such insects are one of the potential sources of alternative feed protein and have high nutritional value. Thus, studying the ability of insects to process waste containing antibacterial drugs while maintaining viability is a topical issue. In this study, the effect of the antibiotic ceftriaxone on the black soldier fly was studied. According to the results obtained, the antibiotic at a concentration of 0.1–100 mg/kg of feed has no effect on the weight, survival rate, productivity, ash content, or fatty acid and amino acid composition of the black soldier fly. At the highest concentration of this antibiotic, an increase in the moisture of the larvae is observed. Consequently, the black soldier fly can consume feed and process waste containing 0.1–100 mg/kg ceftriaxone, while maintaining viability and the basic characteristics necessary for its further use.