Performance of Finisher Broilers Fed Graded Levels of Bio-processed Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (BSFLM)

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of Finisher Broiler birds fed varying levels of Black Soldier Fly larvae meal (BSFLM) at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching and Research Farm. A total of 128 Finisher broilers were used for the experiment which lasted for four (4) weeks. The 128 birds were randomly assigned to four (4) dietary treatment groups and each treatment was replicated four times with eight (8) birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. T1, which was the control group had 0% inclusion of BSFLM. T2, T3 and T4 contained 0.07%, 0.14% and 0.21% BSFLM treatment levels. The result of the experiment showed that at 0.21% (T4) inclusion level of BSFLM, the final weight, total weight gain, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P<0.05) better than other treatments (T1, T2 and T3); T1 and T2 were significantly (P>0.05) not different. The prime cuts of drumstick, thigh, breast and gizzard followed the same pattern observed with growth. It can be concluded that 0.21% inclusion of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal enhanced growth performance as well as carcass characteristics of finisher broiler