Growth Performance in Laying Ducks Fed Protein Diets supplemented by Fresh Black Soldier Fly Larva

Abstract

Live black soldier fly (BSF) maggots serve as an alternative feed for ducks and other poultry, boasting a protein composition similar to fish meal. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of live BSF maggot supplementation as a protein source on increasing duck daily production, feed conversion ratio, and egg quality. A total of 120 female Alabio ducks aged 7 months were randomly divided into 24 cages with four treatments and six replications. Each cage consisted of five ducks. Performance parameters such as daily egg production, feed conversion ratio, and egg mass production were evaluated, along with the quality of duck eggs, including egg weight, yolk weight, yolk crude protein, and albumen crude protein. The results revealed that protein levels did not significantly affect feed consumption during the laying phase for ducks. However, the comparison of duck day production between treatment groups indicated that ducks receiving lower protein levels (13.43%) exhibited lower production, compared to those with higher protein levels (18.29%). Furthermore, feed protein content had a notable impact on egg weight, yolk weight, and albumen crude protein. The study demonstrated a significant increase in egg yolk weight, while the percentages of egg yolk weight and eggshell weight showed no significant differences. In conclusion, this research suggests that supplementing duck diets with live BSF maggots can enhance egg quality and performance parameters. Keywords: Black soldier fly, Duck, Egg quality, Maggot, Performance, Source of protein