Effect of full-fat black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) meal in the diet of broiler chickens

Abstract

One hundred and fifty Ross 308 Breed broiler chickens were used to investigate the effect of full-fat black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) meal in the diets of broiler chickens. The birds were randomly assigned to five treatments/diets in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment was made up of three replicates with 10 birds per replicate. With the exception of treatment one (T1) which is the control, the other treatments T2, T3, T4 and T5 contained incorporated full-fat Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (BSFLM), as replacement of fishmeal in the diets of broiler chickens at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% respectively. The result showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in values obtained for growth parameters except FCR. The FCR of diet 3 (50%) showed significantly (P<0.05) lower value than other diets (T1, T2, T4 and T5). Diet 3 (50%) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher values for cut-parts, especially in the prime parts (drumstick and thigh). Diet 3 (50%) also compared favourably with other treatment diets for organ weights. Conclusively, 50% replacement of fishmeal gave the best performance when full-fat BSFLM was fed to broiler chickens and is therefore recommended.