Effects of different black soldier fly larvae products on slow-growing broiler performance and carcass characteristics

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae have gained significant attention as ingredients for poultry feed to improve value chain circularity and sustainability. Black soldier fly larvae contain bioactive compounds which can potentially improve broiler health and thereby performance. However, the functionality of bioactive compounds likely depends on how larvae are processed prior to feeding and to which extent larvae products are included in the diet. This may explain the variable results reported in literature on broiler performance and carcass characteristics when feeding them different types of BSF larvae products at different inclusion levels. Therefore, the present research aimed to investigate the effects of different BSF larvae products and inclusion levels in diets on performance and carcass characteristics of slow-growing broilers. The experiment started with 1,728 one-day-old slow-growing male broilers (Hubbard JA757). Nine dietary treatments were used, each replicated eight times. One group of broilers was given a control diet. The following BSF larvae products were investigated: live larvae, a combination of BSF larvae meal and oil mimicking the nutritional composition of the live larvae, and BSF larvae meal and oil separately. All insect products were tested at two inclusion levels. All diet programs were nutritionally comparable (isoenergetic and based on balanced levels of digestible essential amino acids). During the 7-wk trial, several performance parameters and carcass characteristics were measured. The results show that comparable or better broiler performance was achieved with the inclusion of BSF larvae products in the diets compared to the control. Based on the feed conversion ratio (FCR), the unprocessed larvae product and the highest inclusion level led to the most favorable results. Carcass characteristics remained unchanged when BSF larvae products were used in the diets compared to the control group, indicating favorable production output. The BSF larvae products investigated seem suitable feed ingredients for broilers at the current levels tested, generating performance benefits.

Growth efficiency, intestinal biology, and nutrient utilization and requirements of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae compared to monogastric livestock species: a review

In recent years, interest in the larvae of black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) as a sustainable protein resource for livestock feed has increased considerably. However, knowledge on the nutritional and physiological aspects of this insect, especially compared to other conventional farmed animals is scarce. This review presents a critical comparison of data on the growth potential and efficiency of the BSF larvae (BSFL) compared to conventional monogastric livestock species. Advantages of BSFL over other monogastric livestock species includes their high growth rate and their ability to convert low-grade organic waste into high-quality protein and fat-rich biomass suitable for use in animal feed. Calculations using literature data suggest that BSFL are more efficient than broilers, pigs and fish in terms of conversion of substrate protein into body mass, but less efficient than broilers and fish in utilization of substrate gross energy to gain body mass. BSFL growth efficiency varies greatly depending on the nutrient quality of their dietary substrates. This might be associated with the function of their gastrointestinal tract, including the activity of digestive enzymes, the substrate particle characteristics, and their intestinal microbial community. The conceived advantage of BSFL having an environmental footprint better than conventional livestock is only true if BSFL is produced on low-grade organic waste and its protein would directly be used for human consumption. Therefore, their potential role as a new species to better close nutrient cycles in agro-ecological systems needs to be reconsidered, and we conclude that BSFL is a complementary livestock species efficiently utilizing organic waste that cannot be utilized by other livestock. In addition, we provide comparative insight into morpho-functional aspects of the gut, characterization of digestive enzymes, gut microbiota and fiber digestion. Finally, current knowledge on the nutritional utilization and requirements of BSFL in terms of macro- and micro-nutrients is reviewed and found to be rather limited. In addition, the research methods to determine nutritional requirements of conventional livestock are not applicable for BSFL. Thus, there is a great need for research on the nutrient requirements of BSFL.

Risk Evaluation of Passive Transmission of Animal Parasites by Feeding of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae and Prepupae

HIGHLIGHTS

Black soldier fly larval intestine extracts do not affect coccidian oocysts or nematode eggs. Studied parasites passed through black soldier fly larvae or attached to the larval surface. Black soldier fly larvae as animal feed may pose a risk of parasite transmission. Larval washing is not sufficient for removing parasites; further hygiene steps are needed.