Source variation in nutrient profile and the effects of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larva meal inclusion in diet at graded levels on broiler chicken

The nutrient profile of Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larva meal (BSFLM) may change with the source and the effects of BSFLM on broiler chicken may depend on its dietary level. Four samples of BSFLM, procured from 3 different sources, were analysed for nutrient profile. One of those, a partially-defatted BSFLM, was evaluated in male broiler chicken diet at 0, 2.5 and 5.0% (expt. 1), and at 0, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% levels (expt. 2). Each of the experimental diets was fed to 12 replicates of 6 chickens each in expt. 1 (n = 216) and 15 replicates of 25 chickens each in expt. 2 (n = 1500). The nutrient profile varied greatly amongst the BSFLM samples (crude protein: 49.8 to 59.6%, crude fat: 12.0 to 38.4%, lysine: 2.4–4.7%, methionine: 2.3–4.6%, lauric acid: 15.2–62.4%). Body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) of broilers increased linearly in the groups fed BSFLM upto 5.0% during 0–3 weeks of age (expt. 1), whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) linearly increased during 3 to 5 weeks. At higher levels of BSFLM (7.5 and 10% in diet) (expt. 2), significantly depressed BWG and FI, and increased FCR were observed. Dressing yield, breast weight and abdominal fat content linearly increased with BSFLM level in diet (expt. 2), while other organ weights, serum biochemical profile and PHA-P response were unaffected (expt. 1). It is concluded that the nutrient profile of BSFLM varied with the source and it could be used upto 5% in the diet of broiler chickens with beneficial effects on growth during the early life.