Mochamad Dzaky Alifian, Tri Ujilestari, Danung Nur Adli, Rahmat Budiarto, Sugiharto Sugiharto, Tri Puji Rahayu, Heru Ponco Wardono, Tekad Urip Pambudi Sujarnoko, Mohammad Firdaus Hudaya, Ki Ageng Sarwono, Mohammad Miftakhus Sholikin
Copper is an essential microelement for energy metabolism and serves as an enzyme cofactor; however, high concentrations cause toxicity and lead to contamination in black soldier fly larvae (BSFL; Hermetia illucens ; Diptera: Stratiomyidae) production for feed and food. This study assessed the effects of high-dose Cu exposure on the growth, substrate conversion, mortality rate, Cu bioaccumulation, and nutritional quality of BSFL. Six-day-old larvae were reared for 10 d on substrates supplemented with copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) at six concentrations: T0 = 0.01; T1 = 436; T2 = 868; T3 = 1312; T4 = 1744; and T5 = 2182 mg kg−1 dry matter (DM). The results indicated a clear dose-dependent response, where increasing Cu exposure progressively reduced the final body weight and weight gain (p < 0.010). A relative tolerance was observed at the medium dose (436 mg kg−1 DM, where performance did not differ significantly from that of the control. In contrast, high-dose exposure (≥868 mg kg−1 DM) caused a marked decline in growth performance, with the most severe effect observed at 2182 mg kg−1 DM (T5). A dose of 436 mg kg−1 DM represents the peak of bioaccumulation but decreases at higher doses. This pattern indicates a physiological mechanism of saturation or enhanced excretion. The Cu content in BSFL biomass reached a maximum of 26.3 mg kg−1 DM and remains within the safe feed limits established by the European Food Safety Authority (15-170 mg kg−1 DM). The level of essential amino acids (arginine, histidine, and phenylalanine) decreased significantly under Cu treatment ≥436 mg kg−1, as confirmed by multivariate analysis (p < 0.050, KMO = 0.636). In conclusion, Cu exposure reduces BSFL production by altering physiology and nutritional quality, with 868 mg kg−1 serving as the critical threshold for growth and amino acid composition. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.
Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16915, Indonesia; Smart Livestock Industry Study Programme, Department of Feed and Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia; Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, 50275, Indonesia; Faculty of Agriculture, Tidar University, Magelang, 56116, Indonesia; Chemical Analysis Study Program, Vocational School, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia; Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, 16911, Indonesia
