Cost-Effectiveness of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as Substitute of Fishmeal in Diets for Layer Chicks and Growers

Esther Khayanga Sumbule, Mary Kivali Ambula, Isaac Maina Osuga, Janice Ghemoh Changeh, David Miano Mwangi, Sevgan Subramanian, Daisy Salifu, Peter A. O. Alaru, Macdonald Githinji, Joop J. A. van Loon, Marcel Dicke and Chrysantus M. Tanga
Additional contact information
Esther Khayanga Sumbule: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Mary Kivali Ambula: Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro 20115, Kenya
Isaac Maina Osuga: Department of Animal Science, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi 00200, Kenya
Janice Ghemoh Changeh: Centre for African Bio-Entrepreneurship (CABE), P.O. Box 25535, Nairobi 00603, Kenya
David Miano Mwangi: Non-Ruminant Research Institute (NRI), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), P.O. Box 57811, Naivasha 00200, Kenya
Sevgan Subramanian: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Daisy Salifu: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Peter A. O. Alaru: Non-Ruminant Research Institute (NRI), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), P.O. Box 57811, Naivasha 00200, Kenya
Macdonald Githinji: Non-Ruminant Research Institute (NRI), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), P.O. Box 57811, Naivasha 00200, Kenya
Joop J. A. van Loon: Laboratory of Entomology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
Marcel Dicke: Laboratory of Entomology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
Chrysantus M. Tanga: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi 00100, Kenya

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-20

Abstract: The acceptance of eco-friendly black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as sustainable alternative protein ingredient in poultry feeds continues to gain momentum worldwide. This study evaluates the impact of BSFLM in layer chick and grower diets on the growth, carcass quality and economic returns. Mean weekly weight gain and total live weight per chick and grower varied significantly. The highest final weight gain was achieved when birds were provided diet with 25.6% BSFLM. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG) and overall weight gain of the chick varied significantly, except for the feed conversion ratio (FCR). For grower birds, ADFI, ADG, FCR and overall weight gain did not vary significantly across the various feeding regimes. The weight of the wings and drumsticks had a quadratic response with a maximum weight obtained at 33% inclusion of BSFLM. The weight of the internal organs were not significantly affected by dietary types. Positive cost–benefit ratio and return on investment was recorded for diet types with higher BSFLM inclusion levels (>75%). Diets with 25% and 100% BSFLM inclusion were the most suitable and cost-effective, respectively. Thus, BSFLM represents a promising alternative source of protein that could be sustainably used in the poultry industries.

Keywords: black soldier fly; insect-based feed formulation; chicken layers; carcass and organs yield; profitability; sustainable intensification (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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