Black Soldier Fly Larva Fat in Broiler Chicken Diets Affects Breast Meat Quality

Flight toward Sustainability in Poultry Nutrition with Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), have emerged as a promising feed ingredient in broiler chicken diets, known for their high protein content, nutritional richness, and environmental sustainability. This review examines the effects of integrating BSFL into broiler feeds, focusing on aspects such as growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological responses, and immune health. The ability of BSFL to transform waste into valuable biomass rich in proteins and lipids underscores their efficiency and ecological benefits. Protein levels in BSFL can range from 32% to 53%, varying with growth stage and diet, offering a robust source of amino acids essential for muscle development and growth in broilers. While the chitin in BSFL poses questions regarding digestibility, the overall impact on nutrient utilization is generally favorable. The inclusion of BSFL in diets has been shown to enhance growth rates, feed efficiency, and carcass quality in broilers, with the larvae's balanced amino acid profile being particularly advantageous for muscle development. BSFL may also support gut health and immunity in broilers due to its bioactive components, potentially influencing the gut's microbial composition and enhancing nutrient absorption and overall health. Moreover, the capacity of BSFL to efficiently convert organic waste into protein highlights their role as an environmentally sustainable protein source for broiler nutrition. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to fully understand the long-term effects of BSFL, ideal inclusion rates, and the impact of varying larval diets and rearing conditions. It is crucial for poultry producers to consult nutritionists and comply with local regulations when incorporating new feed ingredients like BSFL into poultry diets.

Dietary and Therapeutic Benefits of Edible Insects: A Global Perspective

Edible insects are gaining traction worldwide for research and development. This review synthesizes a large and well-established body of research literature on the high nutritional value and variety of pharmacological properties of edible insects. Positive benefits of insect-derived products include immune enhancement; gastrointestinal protection; antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory capacities; antibacterial activities; blood lipid and glucose regulation; lowering of blood pressure; and decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of these active components of edible insects in humans have received limited research attention. In addition, we discuss health risks (safety); application prospects; regulations and policies governing their production and consumption with a view to promote innovations, intraglobal trade, and economic development; and suggestions for future directions for further pharmacological functional studies. The aim is to review the current state of knowledge and research trends on edible insects as functional ingredients beneficial to the nutrition and health of humans and animals (livestock, aquatic species, and pets).

Effect supplementation of black soldier fly larvae oil (Hermetia illucens L.) calcium salt on performance, blood biochemical profile, carcass characteristic, meat quality, and gene expression in fat metabolism broilers

This study evaluated the effect supplementation of black soldier fly larvae oil calcium salt (BSFLO-SCa) on performance, blood biochemical profile, carcass characteristic, meat quality, and gene expression in fat metabolism broiler chickens. A total of 280 male New Lohmann strain MB 202 broiler chicks (1-day-old) were randomly placed into 4 treatments, including a control group (T0) were fed basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 1% (T1), 2% (T2), and 3% (T3) BSFLO-SCa. Each treatment consisted of 7 pens with 10 chickens each. Results showed that 1% BSFLO-SCa supplementation significantly reduced (P < 0.05) abdominal and meat fat, while gene expression on fat synthesis (FAS, ACC) was downregulated. Meat fatty acid profiles such as medium-chain fatty acid being dominant in lauric and myristic and monosaturated fatty acid significantly increased (P < 0.05). On the other hand, polyunsaturated fatty acid significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, the other parameters did not affect by supplementation of 1% BSFLO-SCa. The addition starting from 2% significantly reduced (P < 0.05) performance and carcass characteristics. Blood biochemical profiles (HDL, protein, albumin) and meat qualities (protein, cholesterol, water-holding capacity, cooking losses, a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) values) were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while gene expression on fat oxidation (CPT-1) was upregulated. In conclusion, broiler chicken that received of 1% BSFL-SCa does not negatively affect growth performance and carcass characteristics but reduced fattening in broiler meat.