Cost-Effectiveness of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as Substitute of Fishmeal in Diets for Layer Chicks and Growers

Esther Khayanga Sumbule,Isaac Maina Osuga,Daisy Salifu,Peter A O Alaru,Sevgan Subramanian,Janice Ghemoh Changeh,Marcel Dicke,Joop J A Van Loon,Chrysantus M Tanga,David Miano Mwangi,Macdonald Githinji,Mary Kivali Ambula

doi:10.3390/su13116074

Abstract

The acceptance of eco-friendly black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as sustainable alternative protein ingredient in poultry feeds continues to gain momentum worldwide. This study evaluates the impact of BSFLM in layer chick and grower diets on the growth, carcass quality and economic returns. Mean weekly weight gain and total live weight per chick and grower varied significantly. The highest final weight gain was achieved when birds were provided diet with 25.6% BSFLM. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG) and overall weight gain of the chick varied significantly, except for the feed conversion ratio (FCR). For grower birds, ADFI, ADG, FCR and overall weight gain did not vary significantly across the various feeding regimes. The weight of the wings and drumsticks had a quadratic response with a maximum weight obtained at 33% inclusion of BSFLM. The weight of the internal organs were not significantly affected by dietary types. Positive cost–benefit ratio and return on investment was recorded for diet types with higher BSFLM inclusion levels (>75%). Diets with 25% and 100% BSFLM inclusion were the most suitable and cost-effective, respectively. Thus, BSFLM represents a promising alternative source of protein that could be sustainably used in the poultry industries.

Highlights

We have demonstrated for the first time that the substitution of the expensive fishmeal in poultry feed by black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) does not comprise the overall growth and economic performance of the birds
The best performing diet mixture was 75% FM and 25% BSFLM in terms of the growth performance of the birds but the most cost-effective feed was with 100% BSFLM inclusion rate
Combining evidence obtained in the present study, it can be speculated that poultry feed supplemented with

Summary

Introduction

Due to the rapid growth in the poultry sector, poultry farming has become a much attractive agribusiness to resource poor communities because of they require low starting capital, space and maintenance costs [1]. This demand in turn is driven by rapid economic growth as a result of the alarmingly growing population that has created an increasing need to consume more animal proteins [2]. The demand in Sustainability 2021, 13, 6074.

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