Abstract
Alternative protein sources, such as insects or algae meals are in special focus of animal nutrition in order to replace soybean meal (SBM). As part of the multidisciplinary project “sustainability transitions” this study evaluated effects of replacing SBM by partly defatted larvae meal from the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens or meal from the micro algae Spirulina platensis in broiler diets. The aim of the current study was to investigate the chickens’ growth performance and the intestinal morphology as well as the health status. 288 one-day-old male growing chickens (Ross 308) from a commercial hatchery were randomly allotted to 48 pens (6 birds per pen) for the growth study with five diets and feed supply on free choice level. The control diet was based on wheat, corn and SBM. The experimental diets replaced 50% of SBM by the alternative proteins under study, both on a basic level of amino acid (AA) supplementation (Lys and Met added equal to the control diet) (diet HM and SM) and an extended level of AA fortification (Lys, Met, Thr, Arg, Val added) (diet HM+ and SM+). Response of chickens was evaluated by zoo-technical parameters, which were under weekly control (e.g. growth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality). After finishing the growth study birds from control and the experimental diets at the basic level of AA supplementation were slaughtered after 12 hour fastening and utilized for gut morphometric analysis and histological evaluation of the health status. Diets at a basic level of AA fortification led to significant depression of growth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and protein conversion ratio, respectively. In addition, the acceptance of the Spirulina diet was lower (p ≤ 0.001) as compared to the Hermetia based diet. However, the extended level of AA supplementation improved all parameters significantly. Diets without extended AA supply altered some morphological parameters of the intestinal wall, but the nutritional significance of this observation needs to be verified in AA balanced diets. The health state of chicken was not impaired by the diets under study.
Highlights
IntroductionAccording to the projections of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the world’s population will increase to nine billion people in 2050 [1] and it is expected that more food from animal origin will be needed [2]
Soybean meal is the main feed protein source in diet formulation for pigs and poultry in EU
As demonstrated by parameters of growth response and feed efficiency, both partly defatted larvae meal from Hermetia illucens and meal of the microalgae Spirulina platensis are suitable alternative protein sources in diets for growing chickens at 50% substitution level of soybean meal (SBM)
Summary
According to the projections of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the world’s population will increase to nine billion people in 2050 [1] and it is expected that more food from animal origin will be needed [2]. [10] pointed out that Hermetia larvae meal is an excellent source of protein and energy in diets for growing chickens. They were able to show that the growth rate of chickens was improved when HM was applied as an ingredient of a complete broiler feed [11]. The EU barriers are expected to be overcome in the future so that this promising protein source could be integrated into poultry diets
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