Productive performance and economic viability of broiler chicks fed black soldier fly larvae meal-based diets

Abstract

Abstract Background This study was conducted to investigate black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as replacement for fish meal on productive performance and economic viability of broiler chicks. During processing, the live larvae were poured into heated water and stirred for about 3 – 5 minutes. Filtered larvae were spread on nylon for solar drying to minimum moisture content. Dried larvae were then milled. Two hundred and fifty Cobb 500 breed day-old chicks were randomly allotted at 50 chicks per treatment of 5 replicates using performance and cost implication as response criteria in a Completely Randomized Design. The BSFLM was used to replace fish meal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% and designated diets I, II, III, IV and V, respectively. The respective diets were fed to the chicks ad libitum from 1 – 21 days. Results Among all the growth parameters measured, only the total feed consumed was significantly (P≤0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. Highest total feed consumed (620.79g) and lowest total feed consumed (562.34g) were recorded in chicks fed diets I and III, respectively. Highest final weight (643.67g) and highest weight gain (602.92g) were recorded in chicks fed diet I. The net profit/started chicks was highest in chicks fed diet V. Generally, the net profit/started chicks increased as the level of BSFLM increased in the diets. Conclusions From this study, the replacement of fish meal with BSFLM in the diets of broiler chicks could help to reduce the over dependence of broiler producers on importation of fish meal.