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Black Soldier Fly Larvae in Dairy Farming: A Circular Approach to Feed, Waste Management, and Nutrient Recovery
July, 2025, Bio Cycle Labs
One such emerging solution is the integration of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL, Hermetia illucens) into the dairy sector
As dairy farming evolves under the combined pressure of economic constraints and environmental regulations, sustainable and circular innovations are gaining attention. One such emerging solution is the integration of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL, Hermetia illucens) into the dairy sector - both as a protein feed source for youngstock and a bioconversion strategy for manure and organic waste.
This insect-based system offers multiple benefits, including:
This insect-based system offers multiple benefits, including:
- High-quality protein for calf nutrition;
- Biological processing of manure and slurry;
- Recovery of nutrients through insect frass;
- Reduced environmental footprint of dairy operations
BSFL as a Protein Source in Calf Nutrition
Early-life nutrition is critical in dairy production, directly affecting health, growth rates, and future milk yield. BSFL meal offers a promising alternative to conventional protein sources in calf starters and grower rations.
Nutritional profile (dry matter):
Studies have shown that partial inclusion (5-20%) of BSFL meal in calf diets supports comparable average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, and health status, while also improving palatability and gut microbiota balance.
Nutritional profile (dry matter):
- Crude protein: 35-50%, with an amino acid profile rich in lysine, methionine, and threonine;
- Crude fat: 15-30%, including medium-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid;
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium;
- Chitin and antimicrobial peptides: Potential immune-enhancing and gut-supporting functions.
Studies have shown that partial inclusion (5-20%) of BSFL meal in calf diets supports comparable average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, and health status, while also improving palatability and gut microbiota balance.
Manure Management and Bioconversion
Manure handling is a significant operational and environmental challenge in dairy farming. When left untreated, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, nitrate leaching, and odor issues.
BSFL can be used to biologically convert pre-treated slurry or solid manure into two valuable outputs:
Moreover, larvae can reduce waste volume by up to 60% and convert waste to biomass at a feed conversion efficiency superior to many conventional livestock.
Manure handling is a significant operational and environmental challenge in dairy farming. When left untreated, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, nitrate leaching, and odor issues.
BSFL can be used to biologically convert pre-treated slurry or solid manure into two valuable outputs:
- Insect biomass (for feed or energy use);
- Frass, a dry, stable fertilizer with significant NPK content and beneficial microbial activity.
- This approach reduces:
- Organic load and total solids;
- Pathogen presence in manure;
- Volume and hauling costs.
Moreover, larvae can reduce waste volume by up to 60% and convert waste to biomass at a feed conversion efficiency superior to many conventional livestock.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Integrating BSFL systems into dairy operations contributes to multiple sustainability metrics:
This model supports compliance with EU Farm to Fork strategies, nitrate regulations, and voluntary ESG reporting frameworks.
Integrating BSFL systems into dairy operations contributes to multiple sustainability metrics:
- GHG Emission Reduction: By stabilizing manure and avoiding methane from uncontrolled decomposition;
- Nutrient Cycling: Frass returns essential nutrients to pastures or croplands, supporting regenerative systems;
- Cost Efficiency: Insect-based feed and fertilizer can lower input costs for calf feed and crop production;
- Circularity: Closing the loop between waste, feed, and soil within the same operation.
This model supports compliance with EU Farm to Fork strategies, nitrate regulations, and voluntary ESG reporting frameworks.
At Bio Cycle Labs, we offer scalable BSFL solutions tailored for dairy operations, including:
Our systems are modular and can be piloted on farms of various sizes - either for self-use or revenue generation through protein and fertilizer sales.
- On-farm or cooperative waste processing and larvae rearing units;
- Technical support on substrate management and biosecurity;
- Integration of insect meal into calf nutrition plans;
- Frass application strategies aligned with soil and crop needs.
Our systems are modular and can be piloted on farms of various sizes - either for self-use or revenue generation through protein and fertilizer sales.
System Integration with Bio Cycle Labs
The use of BSFL in dairy farming is supported by growing research and commercial validation. Whether as a feed input, waste solution, or fertilizer generator, BSFL enable farms to reduce their footprint and enhance operational efficiency.
Science is proving that insect-based systems can enhance productivity, circularity, and environmental performance in dairy.
Science is proving that insect-based systems can enhance productivity, circularity, and environmental performance in dairy.
A Viable Insect-Based Model for Sustainable Dairy