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The effects of nutritional composition of black soldier fly (Hermetia ilucens) larvae reared on vegetable wastes on growth performance of village chickens

Zamri Zaid , Suriya Ramiah, Eddy Jamein, Zulkifli Idrus, Idris Lokman, Faiz Amirul, Samad Fadzlin, Afifi Ghani, Mohd Saad, Anuraga Jayanegara, Hasliza Abu Hassim

Abstract

Context. Black soldier fly larvae are a promising alternative ingredient of poultry feed. They might be able to replace soybean and fishmeal since they contain high protein and fat, and also rich in vitamins and minerals, while partial replacement of soybean and total replacement of fishmeal produce no adverse effect on the growth performance of village chickens. Therefore, they are suitable replacement of these traditional ingredients of poultry feed. Aims. This study determines the nutritive values of black soldier fly larvae and evaluates the effects of feeding diets containing black soldier fly larvae on growth performance of village chickens. Methods. Samples of black soldier fly larvae were subjected to proximate analysis before a total of 280, day-old village chicks were randomly divided into four groups. All groups were fed a basal diet with partial replacements of corn and soybean with black soldier fly larvae at 0% (Control), 5% (T1), 10% (T2) and 15% (T3) for 70 days. Each treatment group consisted of seven replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The body weights, body weight gain and feed conversion rates were determined. Key Results. Dry rendered black soldier fly larvae contained 773.0±0.08g/kg dry matter, 36.1±0.09g/kg ash, 408.8±0.28g/kg crude protein, 283.0±0.16g/kg ether extract and 40.9±0.44g/kg crude fiber. The larvae also contained 2.041 MJ/kg of metabolizable energy, 20.4g/kg of calcium and adequate levels of vitamins. The feeding trial revealed an average body weight gain of 1231.45±23.37g and feed conversion ratio of 2.03±0.15, which were most efficient with diet T3. Conclusion. Inclusion of 15% black soldier fly larvae in diets can enhance the growth performance of village chickens without adverse effects. Implications. Partial replacement of soybean and total replacement of fishmeal in the diet of chickens by black soldier fly larvae are not affecting the growth performance of village chickens but might reduce the feed cost.

AN23438  Accepted 10 July 2024

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