Sokhna TOURE *, Toffène Diome , Mamecor Faye and Mbacke Sembene
Cheikh Anta Diop University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Animal Biology, Laboratory of Entomology and Acarology, Dakar, Senegal
*Corresponding author: sokhna4.toure@ucad.edu.sn
The context of this study is defined by the shortage of accessible protein sources in sub-Saharan Africa, a major constraint on local poultry farming. Hence, the main objective of our study is to identify the fly species with the greatest potential to produce maggots for poultry feed. The experiment, conducted in Gossas (Senegal) from 1 August to 30 September 2023, involved breeding three genera of flies (Musca, Lucilia and Sarcophaga) on specific substrates. Our methodology is based on measuring embryonic, larval, and pupal development durations, as well as evaluating larval biometrics, sex ratio, and larval viability. The results indicate that Musca exhibits rapid maturation, Lucilia produces a high number of larvae, while Sarcophaga is distinguished by larger larval size and limited egg-laying. Statistical analyses, including tests of normality, the Kruskal-Wallis test, linear regression, and principal component analysis, confirm the significance of the observed differences. Linear regression shows that larval diameter, which significantly influences development duration, is more influential than size. These results can be seen as a distinct reproductive strategy, adapted to specific environmental conditions. Finally, the targeted exploitation of different kinds of flies appears to be a promising local alternative to imported inputs for poultry feed, with better performance noted for the genus Sarcophaga.