Effect of Dietary Inclusion Levels of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal on Broiler Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Hematological Parameters, Cecal Microbial Load, and Meat Quality
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Date
2025
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
The introduction of Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as a sustainable protein alternative in poultry diets is gaining attention for its potential to enhance broiler performance, health and economic efficiency while reducing dependence on conventional feed sources. This study aimed to investigate the effects of incorporating BSFLM at varying inclusion levels 0% (T1), 2.5% (T2), 5% (T3), and 7.5% (T4) on broiler chickens, focusing on parameters such as growth performance, carcass traits, hematological indices, ceacal microbiota composition, meat quality attributes, and economic viability.. The experimental design involved a total of 192 unsexed day-old Cobb500 broiler chicks, which were systematically allocated into four distinct treatment groups. Each treatment comprised 48 chicks, subdivided into four replicates, with each replicate containing 12 chicks, employing a completely randomized design. The analysis revealed that body weight gain, feed consumption, and carcass characteristics exhibited no statistically significant differences among the treatments (p > 0.05). Feed conversion ratio showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in T3 and T4 during the grower phase and overall rearing period pointing to better feed efficiency.
The control group (T1) had a higher gizzard weight (p < 0.05), while BSFLM inclusion did not affect other carcass parameters. Cost-wise, T3 brought in more net income and had a higher marginal rate of return showing it was more profitable and cost-effective. Blood tests revealed higher packed cell volume and hemoglobin levels in T3, without any negative effects on immune-related blood parameters. BSFLM did not change the total bacterial count, E.coli, or coliform populations in the ceacal. Meat pH and taste tests such as appearance, flavor, tenderness, and overall liking were similar across all treatments. These results suggest that adding BSFLM to broiler diets up to 7.5% is safe, with the 5% level (T3) giving the best performance and financial return without influencing health or meat quality.
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Keywords
Black soldier fly larvae, Body weight, Broiler, Economic benefit, Hematology.