Assessing the Maximum Inclusion Level of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Larvae Full-Fat and De-Fatted Meals in Broiler Diets.

The use of insect meals as a substitute for protein sources is a current topic of interest, especially the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSFL) larvae in full-fat (FF) and de-fatted (DF) forms. Nine experimental diets were prepared for broiler starter (Day 14-21) and finisher (Day 21-35) phases. The control diet was formulated to contain, 10% fish meal (FM) (T1). The other eight experimental diets were replaced FM in the control diet with BSFL FF at 2.5% (T2), 5% (T3), 7.5% (T4), and 10% (T5) and BSFL DF at 2.5% (T6), 5% (T7), 7.5% (T8), and 10% (T9), respectively. On day 14, two hundred and sixteen (216) unsexed, Cobb-500 broilers having uniform body weights (BW±SD: 343.5 g/head±13.01) were randomly consigned to 36 battery cages (60 cm×60 cm×60 cm) (04 replicates per treatment, six birds per replicate). From day-14, the birds were evaluated for growth performances. On day-35, 72 birds; two birds from each replicate were selected and evaluated for carcass traits, meat quality, and digestive tract measurements. Sensory characteristics and cost-benefit analysis were also conducted. The feed intake (FI) was influenced (P<0.05) by the treatments. The breast yield was enhanced (P<0.05) by the birds fed T3. The thigh weight was increased (P<0.05) by the birds fed T3 and T6. The back and heart weights were comparable (P>0.05) among the birds fed T1, T3 and T5 diets. The length of the large intestine was augmented (P<0.05) by the inclusion of FF BSFL above 5% level and DF BSFL from 2.5 to 10%. T3 had the highest sensory attributes and was the most cost-effective diet. In summary, the current study indicates that the inclusion of FF BSFL meal up to 5% into broiler diets did not have any negative impact on the tested parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]