Assessment And Impact of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal on Poultry Performance
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective protein sources in animal feed has prompted the exploration of novel alternatives to conventional ingredients such as soybean meal and fishmeal. One such promising candidate is the larvae meal of Hermetia illucens, commonly known as the Black Soldier Fly (BSF). This study explores the nutritional value and functional application of BSF larvae meal in poultry feed by employing a comprehensive meta-analytical approach. A total of 22 peer-reviewed studies were selected from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering broiler and layer poultry species. These studies reported performance metrics including body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg production, and mortality. The analysis involved the calculation of standardized mean differences (SMDs) for each parameter and used forest plots to visualize the collective effects across studies. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic to evaluate consistency in the outcomes. In addition to performance metrics, the metabolizable energy (ME) value of BSF meal was predicted using regression models developed from its proximate composition (e.g., crude protein, ether extract, and fiber content). Results revealed that BSF meal can be safely included up to 15% in poultry diets without compromising performance. Moreover, it offers environmental advantages such as improved waste valorization, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and alignment with circular economy principles. This study not only consolidates current research on BSF larvae meal in poultry nutrition but also contributes to feed formulation strategies by providing ME prediction models. While the findings are directly applicable to poultry production, they hold broader implications for aquaculture and integrated livestock farming systems, where insect-based meals are gaining recognition for their sustainability and nutritional benefits. The study underscores the potential of BSF meal to become a mainstream ingredient in future feed formulations.
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