In the search for new, cheaper and environmentally sustainable sources of protein-rich food, much research has shown the alternative role that insects could play in animal feed. Fly larvae or maggots have been identified as a food source that is very rich in protein, dietary fat, vitamins and minerals. The most commonly used maggots in animal feed are those of the housefly (Musca domestica L. 1758) and the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L. 1758). Different maggot production systems for these two fly species have been developed and others are still being developed in different contexts around the world. The production of these maggots does not require much expenditure as they can be easily obtained from animal and/or plant waste available free of charge or at low cost. This study summarizes the available literature on the methods of production of maggots of these two fly species and their use in animal feed. Also, the zootechnical performance of animals fed with maggots and the importance of maggots were discussed in this study.
In Burkina Faso, the food post- harvest conservation remains a major constraint. A survey to understand farmers' perceptions of post-harvest conservation of cowpea and Bambara groundnut was carried out in nine villages of Hauts-Bassins. This survey was followed by an evaluation of samples taken from stocks of these legumes. The results show that farmers retain their crops of Bambara groundnut and cowpea at home in bags, sealed and unsealed devices. The use of traditional methods is the most widespread. According to farmers, the insects are responsible for the essential of post-harvest losses of legumes. Laboratory analysis of the samples collected, helped to identify six (6) insect species distributed in the orders of Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. and Callosobruchus subinnotatus Pic. are the most abundant species.
Knowledge of post-harvest strategies in a traditional rural environment is an essential prerequisite for the development of methods and structures for effective protection of stored products. Such knowledge opens the way for the definition of methods for detection of infestations and loss estimation, the recommendation of rational methods of control, preventive as well as curative.