Effects of 50 Percent Substitution of Soybean Meal by Alternative Proteins from <i>Hermetia illucens</i> or Spirulina platensis in Meat-Type Chicken Diets with Graded Amino Acid Supply

Abstract

Alternative protein sources, such as insects or algae meals are in special focus of animal nutrition in order to replace soybean meal (SBM). As part of the multidisciplinary project "sustainability transitions" this study evaluated effects of replacing SBM by partly defatted larvae meal from the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens or meal from the micro algae Spirulina platensis in broiler diets. The aim of the current study was to investigate the chickens' growth performance and the intestinal morphology as well as the health status. 288 one-day-old male growing chickens (Ross 308) from a commercial hatchery were randomly allotted to 48 pens (6 birds per pen) for the growth study with five diets and feed supply on free choice level. The control diet was based on wheat, corn and SBM. The experimental diets replaced 50% of SBM by the alternative proteins under study, both on a basic level of amino acid (AA) supplementation (Lys and Met added equal to the control diet) (diet HM and SM) and an extended level of AA fortification (Lys, Met, Thr, Arg, Val added) (diet HM+ and SM+). Response of chickens was evaluated by zoo-technical parameters, which were under weekly control (e.g. growth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality). After finishing the growth study birds from control and the experimental diets at the basic level of AA supplementation were slaughtered after 12 hour fastening and utilized for gut morphometric analysis and histological evaluation of the health status.

Effects of the Partial Replacement of Soybean Meal by Insect or Algae Meal in Chicken Diets with Graded Amino Acid Supply on Parameters of Gut Microbiology and Dietary Protein Quality

“…The basic AA supplementation, even though on par with control diet levels, impaired nutrient deposition significantly. This observation underlines the need for an extended level of AA supplementation with an increasing substitution of SBM as already reported based on zoo-technical results [27]. Austic et al [50] came to the same conclusion that an optimized AA supplementation is necessary in diets with microalgae for growing chickens.…”

“…As already reported [27], both in HM and SM diets an extended AA supplementation according to the IAAR [28] yielded superior growth responses and feed efficiency data, partly exceeding the results of the control birds. This extension investigated the further effects of these diets on the final body composition.…”

“…As part of the multidisciplinary project "Sustainability Transitions in food production: alternative protein sources in socio-technical perspective" the present study aimed to evaluate the potential of both Hermetia illucens larvae meal and Spirulina platensis meal as alternative feed proteins for the substitution of SBM in diets for meat type chickens. As a first part of our investigations, zoo-technical responses as well as physiological gut parameters due to 50% replacement of SBM have already been reported [27]. The current study continues with results on nutrient deposition, evaluation of the dietary protein quality and parameters of gut microbiology.…”

“…The microcystine content, analyzed by an external laboratory (TeLA GmbH, Geestland, Germany), remained below the detection limit. Velten et al [27] reported comprehensive information regarding the nutrient composition of the alternative proteins.…”

N Balance Studies Emphasize the Superior Protein Quality of Pig Diets at High Inclusion Level of Algae Meal (Spirulina platensis) or Insect Meal (Hermetia illucens) when Adequate Amino Acid Supplementation Is Ensured

“…The larvae of Hermetia are able to utilize a wide range of nutrient sources and develop rapidly between 20 °C and 30 °C. More details about the alternative proteins are presented earlier [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Generally, both of the alternative proteins have the potential for being included as a protein source in animal feeds.…”