Validation of a bioreactor for the growth of black soldier fly larvae: Test with animal feces, agave residues and vinasse

For this study, a controlled and monitored bioreactor was constructed to examine the environmental variables, CO₂ behavior during the biodegradation process, aeration requirements, and their effect on the growth of black soldier fly larvae. The larvae were fed with bovine and ovine manure residues, as well as mixtures of agave bagasse and vinasse, which are by-products of mezcal distillation, at feeding rates of 47.67, and 95.23 mg/larvae.day. The larvae with the highest growth were those fed on sheep manure, while the larvae with the lowest growth were fed on the mixture of agave bagasse and vinasse. The nutritional content of the frass was analyzed, and C:N ratios of 18.75 and 10 were obtained for the fertilizers derived from bovine and ovine manure, respectively, though phosphorus concentrations were low. Data from the sensors validated the monitoring system and data acquisition, enabling the establishment of aeration requirements based on CO₂ concentration and projecting mathematical models to complement this study.