Productive performance and economic viability of broiler chicks fed black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larva meal-based diets

Author: M. Adegbenro, A. O. Ayeni, A. A. Akintomide, A. J. Atansuyi and J. O. Agbede
madegbenro@futa.edu.ng
Abstract:
This study was conducted to investigate black soldier fly larva meal (BSFLM) as replacement for fish meal on general performance of broiler chick production. The live larvae were poured into heated water at about 70 – 80oC and stirred for about 5 minutes in order to make the larvae inactive. Filtered larvae were sun dried to minimum moisture content and then milled. Two hundred and fifty Cobb 500 breed day-old chicks were randomly allotted at 50 chicks per treatment of 5 replicates using performance and cost implication as response criteria in a Completely Randomized Design. The BSFLM was used to replace fish meal at graded levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% and designated Diets I, II, III, IV and V, respectively. The respective diets were fed to the chicks ad libitum from 1 – 21 days. Among all the growth parameters measured, only the total feed consumed was significantly (P≤0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. Highest total feed consumed (620.79g) and lowest total feed consumed (562.34g) were recorded in chicks fed diets I and III, respectively. Highest final weight (643.67g) and highest weight gain (602.92g) were recorded in chicks fed diet I. The net profit/started chicks was highest in chicks fed diet V. Generally, the net profit/started chicks increased as the level of BSFLM increased in the diets. From this study, the replacement of fish meal with BSFLM in the diets of broiler chicks could help to reduce the over dependence of broiler producers on importation of fish meal.

Loading

Key Words: Chicken, feed, fish meal, insect, net profit
To Cite this Article Copy and paste this in your writting:
M. Adegbenro, A. O. Ayeni, A. A. Akintomide, A. J. Atansuyi and J. O. Agbede (2024). Productive performance and economic viability of broiler chicks fed black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larva meal-based diets. Annals of Anim. Bio. Res., 4(1): 1-8

Loading