Boosting laying hen performance with black soldier fly larvae as feed

Rising feed costs in Africa due to expensive conventional protein sources are a big concern, affecting profit margins across the poultry industry. To address this, scientist looked into using insect protein, specifically Hermetia illucens Linnaeus larvae meal (HILM), as a substitute for soybean meal and sunflower seed cake in layer chicken diets. This study found that diets with 75% HILM significantly improved average daily weight gain for both chicks (12.37 g/bird) and layer hens (2.02 g/bird).

The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) also varied significantly, with the lowest ADFI and FCR observed in birds fed diets with 75% and 100% HILM compared to those with 50% HILM. Layer hens fed diets with 75% HILM showed significantly higher egg production throughout the first (87.41%) and second (83.05%) production cycles, with a 3–10% increase in egg laying percentage.

Furthermore, using HILM-based diets resulted in higher profit margins, approximately $1.83 and $5.98 per bird, with a return on investment estimated at 63.95% for pullets (growers) and 33.36% for laying hens. In summary, our findings demonstrate that diets containing 75% HILM offer optimal growth performance, reduced feeding costs, increased weight gain and egg production, and improved economic returns for commercial poultry production systems.
Read More Big opportunities for tiny bugs: rush to boost laying hen performance using black soldier fly larvae meal

Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 117, Issue 1, February 2024, Pages 58–72: Linus K Wamai, Leonard M Munga, Isaac M Osuga, Jonathan M Munguti, Sevgan Subramanian, Michael K Kidoido, Janice C Ghemoh, Charles M Mwendia, Chrysantus M Tanga

Published: 29 December 2023