Solving a big problem with a small insect
The demand for animal-derived protein is predicted to double by 2050 and EnviroFlight® aims to respond to this growing challenge by creating and improving innovative solutions. The company, a joined venture of Darling Ingredients and Intrexon, opened its pilot plant in 2009, and has been observing and analyzing the potential of the Black Soldier Fly ever since. One important discovery: BSFL can be used as a high-quality nutrient source for poultry1, fish2, pets3, exotic animals and livestock4 in a variety of forms. Harnessing the power of the fly can help feed the animals that in turn can help feed our rapidly growing population.

What the larvae get to eat
Like humans, Black Soldier Fly Larvae require balanced diets. While flies are often associated with manure, the larvae at EnviroFlight are kept well away from livestock waste, as it does not provide them with a healthy diet at all: the potential of heavy metal contamination, salmonella, and other unknown pathogens is not worth the risk. So what do they get to eat? At EnviroFlight, BSF larvae are fed a variety of organic materials available from pre-consumer processing. These include Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS from local ethanol plants – such as rice, corn and barley – as well as local brewer’s grains, and Cookie Meal® from the plants of Darling Ingredient’s brand Bakery Feeds. The CookieMeal® residuals consist of bakery leftovers, like bread, cookies, pizza, crackers, tortillas and more. All of the materials fed to the BSFL are safe for use in animal feeds and meet American Association of Feed Control Official (AAFCO) Guidelines.
Black soldier fly larvae are an exciting alternative, reducing our dependence on non-sustainable protein sources for animal feed
An ecologically sound treat for insectivores
From an ecological perspective, BSF larvae are an exciting alternative, reducing our dependence on non-sustainable protein sources for animal feed. Black soldier fly larvae are high in calcium, protein, fiber, amino acids and lauric oil (otherwise only found in coconut and palm kernel oils). This makes them an ideal source of nutrients for many animal groups. On top of that, they offer a more natural choice for many animals than soy and other plant-based meals. Fish and poultry, for example, are natural insectivores. Chickens will naturally forage for insects given the opportunity. But many backyard chickens are kept in northern climates or in coops, where insect exposure is limited. BSFL meal and oil, or whole dried larvae, provide a natural insect ingredient to these and other backyard flocks. They are palatable to birds in many forms, and more sustainable than many other protein ingredients used in chicken feeds.
The case for fish is similar. With global stocks of forage fish going down, the pressure is rising on fish meal supplies for aquaculture systems that support food production. By using BSFL, we can extend fish meal supplies. That means feeding more fish and, ultimately, more people. All in all, for the fish and poultry markets, BSF larvae represent a tasty, nutritious and entirely natural diet.
For zoo keepers managing exotic and endangered insectivores very specific dietary needs, such as anteaters and pangolins, BSFL are also an ideal solution: they delivers similar nutrition to what these animals would find in their native habitats.
Cats, dogs and even flowers
Our furry friends can also benefit from this innovative protein source. BSFL by-products are a palatable, digestible and nutritious ingredient in pet food. Dogs and cats will benefit from their high lauric acid content and rich amino acid make-up.
Finally, larvae by-products aren’t just for animals. They are also ideal for flowers, vegetables, fruits, lawns, and anyone looking for a natural, chemical-free fertilizer. For example, frass made from dried black soldier fly larvae, is an all-natural fertilizer containing a nutrient-dense blend of N-P-K – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (K) – as well as vital minerals.
Reducing landfilling and retrieving valuable nutrients
The fact that BSFL are fed pre-consumer food manufacturing leftovers and by-products is another important argument in their favor: using this waste to create feed and pet food ingredients means less landfilling and the return of valuable nutrients into the food chain. You might say insects can help sustainably address the global issue of world hunger…
Quality, consistency, capacity
EnviroFlight® has developed four different larvae by-products: EnviroBug™ (whole, oven-dried larvae), EnviroMeal™ (meal made from pressed, oven-dried larvae), EnviroOil™ (oil from pressed larvae), and EnviroFrass™ (the left-over product from growing BSFL, including larvae waste, exoskeleton sheds and remaining feed ingredients). The larvae provided by EnviroFlight® vary in protein and fat content based on the diet fed them, and can be customized to meet customer’s needs.
All EnviroFlight® products are manufactured according to strict standards: from quality norms for feedstock to consistent, safe processing standards. Our plants are routinely inspected and approved by the respective Departments of Agriculture, and are fully compliant with the standards established by the US Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). By implementing best practices for feed ingredients, animal care, and processing, EnviroFlight® consistently manufactures balanced, high-performance products that are in line with Darling Ingredients’ high standards and its mission to create sustainable food, feed and fuel ingredients for a growing population.
Footnotes
1 Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology
2 Research report USDA, Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center (SNARC): ars.usda.gov/research/publications
3 MDPI review of Black Soldier Fly as Animal Feed and Human Food
4 Black soldier fly as crude protein source for weaned piglets