Effects of Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (Hermetia illucens L) as a Source of Protein on Boosting Performance, Carcass Quality, and Nutrient Digestibility of Village Chicken

Abstract

The use of protein-based feed ingredients is crucial for the proper nutrition of chickens, but their availability is often limited, and their cost is typically high. Therefore, this study aims to develop a ration formulation using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae flour to reduce the use of fish flour and improve performance, carcass quality, and nutrient digestibility of village chicken. A total of 140 one-day-old chicks (DOC) were randomly assigned to one of five treatments in a completely randomized design, with four replicates per treatment. The treatments included P0 = 0% BSF larvae flour, P1 = 25% (3.74% BSF larvae flour), P2 = 50% (7.51% BSF larvae flour), P3 = 75% (11.26% BSF larvae flour), P4 = 100% (15% BSF larvae flour). The results showed that replacing fish flour with BSF larvae flour as a protein source in the brood diet of village chicken feed significantly (P<0.05) increased growth performance, live weight, carcass weight, carcass weight percentage, abdominal fat mass, abdominal fat percentage, and the digestibility of crude fat. Furthermore, BSF treatments increased (P=0.09) digestibility of crude protein and fiber. Based on these results, BSF larvae flour was recommended as an alternative protein source to replace fish meal in the diet of village chicken.