Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) have gained global attention as a sustainable alternative protein source for animal feed because of their rapid growth, high feed conversion efficiency, and ability to valorize organic waste. Optimizing larval nutrition is essential for maximizing biomass yield, improving feed safety, and enhancing nutritional quality. This study evaluated the effects of graded supplementation with commercial, unprocessed natural honey (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% v/w) on growth performance, microbial load, and proximate composition of BSFL over a 21-day rearing period. A completely randomized design with triplicate treatments was employed. Growth parameters assessed included survival rate, average larval weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and total biomass yield. Microbial analyses measured total plate count, Escherichia coli, and lactic acid bacteria populations, while proximate composition was determined using standard AOAC methods. Honey supplementation significantly improved larval survival, weight gain, and biomass production (p < 0.05), with the 10% inclusion level yielding the most favorable overall performance. Honey-treated groups exhibited reduced total microbial and E. coli loads alongside increased lactic acid bacteria counts, although the mechanisms underlying these microbial changes were not directly investigated. Nutritional analysis revealed enhanced crude protein and lipid contents in supplemented larvae, particularly at 10%, without significant effects on ash or moisture. These findings indicate that moderate inclusion of natural honey may function as a nutritional and microbial-modulating feed additive for BSFL. However, because conventional honey is relatively high-value, its commercial sustainability will depend on the availability and safety of lower-value, surplus, downgraded, or otherwise non-marketable honey streams.
Che Felix Akah, Teh Exodus Akwa, Rigobert Haiwa· Food Science and Processing· 0 citations
Potato production in the Western Highlands of Cameroon is constrained by variable soil fertility, altitudinal differences, and limited access to mineral fertilisers. This study evaluated the effects of altitude and fertilisation on the growth, yield, soil chemical properties, and economic performance of potato cv. Jelly in the Menoua department. The experiment was conducted from January to May 2023 at three sites located at 1,337 m (A1), 1,413 m (A2), and 1,514 m (A3) above sea level. Five fertilisation treatments were compared: an unfertilised control (T1), urban compost applied at 20 (T2), 40 (T3), or 60 t dry matter ha⁻¹ (T4), and mineral fertiliser NPK 11-11-22 + 5.5 MgO applied at 350 kg ha⁻¹ (T5). Tuber yield, post-harvest soil properties, and the value-cost ratio were assessed. The results showed that altitude and fertiliser treatments significantly affected tuber yield (P < 0.05). The highest overall yield was recorded at the highest altitude, 1,514 m (A3). At this altitude, treatment T2 (20 t ha⁻¹ compost) achieved the maximum yield of 28.56 t ha⁻¹, followed closely by the mineral treatment T5, with 28.09 t ha⁻¹. At lower altitudes, treatment T2 also outperformed the other treatments, generating the highest yield at 1,337 m (A1), with 20.74 t ha⁻¹, and at 1,413 m (A2), with 6.13 t ha⁻¹, although overall yields at A2 remained particularly low. Compost application, notably T2, T3, and T4, improved several post-harvest soil chemical properties, particularly pH, available phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and cation exchange capacity. The economic analysis revealed that only treatment T2 was profitable at the most productive altitudes (A1 and A3), whereas treatment T5 exhibited negative profitability values across all altitudes (A1, A2, and A3), rendering it unprofitable. Based on these results, it is recommended that the altitude of 1,514 m (A3) be prioritised for the production of potato cv. Jelly in the region. Furthermore, for sustainable and economically viable production, a moderate application of urban compost at 20 t ha⁻¹ (T2) constitutes the most suitable recommendation, as it maximises yield, restores soil fertility, and ensures positive financial returns.
Kelie Laure Nangmo Temateu, Gertrude Keegoui, Jean Paul Kamseu Mogo et al.· Journal of Agriculture and E...· 0 citations
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