Partial and Total Replacement of Soybean Meal with Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) Larvae Meal in Broiler Chicken Diets: Impact on Growth Performance, Carcass Quality and Meat Quality

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare selected growth performance parameters and slaughter characteristics in broiler chickens fed diets with a different content of full-fat Hermetia illucens L. (HI) larvae meal. The experiment was performed on 384 male broiler chickens (Ross 308) reared to 42 d of age and assigned to four dietary treatments (HI0—control diet and diets where soybean meal protein (SBM) was replaced with HI protein in 50%, 75% and 100%, respectively). The final body weights of chickens were as follows: 3010.0 g (HI0), 2650.0 g (HI50), 2590.0 g (HI75) and 2375.0 g (H100, p < 0.05). The carcasses of chickens from the experimental groups contained less meat and more abdominal fat. The feed conversion ratio for the entire experimental period was similar in groups HI0, HI50 and HI75 and more desirable than in group HI100 (p < 0.05). The meat of broiler chickens from groups HI75 and HI100 was characterized by significantly (p < 0.05) lower juiciness and taste intensity than the meat of birds from groups HI0 and HI50. The replacement of SBM protein with full-fat HI larvae meal in broiler diets exceeding 50% significantly compromised the growth performance of birds and the carcass and meat quality.

Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of the Pectoralis major Muscle in Broiler Chickens Fed Diets with Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal

“…Control group chickens were fed diets without PAP- HI (0 PAP- HI ), whereas birds in three experimental groups received diets where SBM protein was replaced with PAP- HI in the amount of 50% (50% PAP- HI ), 75% (75% PAP- HI ) and 100% (100% PAP- HI ). The ingredients, chemical composition and energy value of diets fed to broiler chickens are presented in our previous paper [ 15 ]. The fatty acid profile of HI larvae meal is shown in Table 1 , whereas the fatty acid profile of diets is presented in Table 2 .…”

“…Broiler chickens (2 birds/pen, 16 birds/treatment, 64 birds in total) were slaughtered at 42 days of age (stunning with the electrical water-bath stunner with 0.12 mA per bird applied for minimum 4 s and bleeding by severing the jugular vein). Their growth performance and selection for slaughter are presented in our previous paper [ 15 ]. After post-slaughter processing, the carcasses were chilled at 4 °C for around 24 h. Chilled carcasses were dissected, and the Pectoralis major ( PM ) muscles were cut out.…”

Complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal in feeding program for broiler chickens from placement through to 49 days of age reduced growth performance and altered organs morphology

“…Additionally, results on organ weights and organ histology when BSFLM is included in higher amounts (>50% inclusion) are also variable. Some researchers did not observe any changes in organ weights or organ tissue histology ( Onsongo et al, 2018 ; Velten et al, 2018 ; Schiavone et al, 2019 ), whereas Murawska et al (2021) observed an increase in liver weight when replacing 75% SBM with BSFLM. Changes to organ weight are indicative of further health concerns, and therefore can aid in deducing information on the impact of BSFLM on broiler chickens.…”

“…Previous researchers that included BSFLM below ∼30% replacement of SBM observed no change or improved growth performance of broilers, including BW, feed intake ( FI ), and feed conversion ratio ( FCR ) ( Cullere et al, 2016 ; Dabbou et al, 2018 ; Onsongo et al, 2018 ; Schiavone et al, 2019 ; de Souza Vilela et al, 2021 ). However, some studies implementing BSFLM levels greater than ∼30% replacement of SBM, more notably with levels above ∼50%, resulted in reduced growth performance through lower BW, FI, and FCR as compared to lower inclusion rates ( Dabbou et al, 2018 ; Onsongo et al, 2018 ; Velten et al, 2018 ; Schiavone et al, 2019 ; Murawska et al, 2021 ). Additionally, results on organ weights and organ histology when BSFLM is included in higher amounts (>50% inclusion) are also variable.…”

Particularities of the Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Ovipositing Behavior: Practical Applications

“…Encouraging studies have shown that, in some fodders, it can replace fish or soy protein in proportions varying between 25–100%, depending on the species and age category [ 18 , 25 ], and fish oil up to 100% [ 26 ]. Although the bioproductive implications of some biologically active compounds and their impact on the quality of animal products and by-products require further studies [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ], all these authors recommend the use of H. illucens protein meal and oil in the diet of farmed species [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Some qualitative shortcomings of H. illucens protein meal and oil can be overcome by manipulating the structure of the larval growth substrate, which can significantly change the nutrient composition of the larvae [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ].…”