Environmental Conditions Affecting Development of House Fly Larvae in Poultry Manure

Abstract

lvfl/sea dOI/l('stiea L. eggs were placed in fresh poultry manure under different temperatures (22° to 38°C) and relative humidity (19 to 80%) conditions to determine the hatchability of fly eggs, growth of larvae, production of pupae, and physical changes in the poultry manure. Moisture loss from the manure was recorded daily. The inoculation rates varied from 2 to 5 g of fly eggs per 4 kg of fresh poultry manure. Fly eggs and larvae were also placed under caged laying hens for the catabolism of the manure as it was voided. Optimum production of dry pupae was obtained with a combination of 3 g of fly eggs in 4 kg of fresh poultry manure at 27"C and relative humidity of 41 %. Moisture in the manure was reduced from 78.5 to 55.0% by larval activity and aeration. When relative humidity was increased from 38 to 70%, the production of pupae at 34° to 3XoC was significantly (P