The Black Soldier Fly larvae as an alternative feed ingredient for poultry

Summary

Reducing the dependence on imported soybeans in poultry feed requires the use of alternative protein and energy sources of similar high quality that can be produced locally in large quantities. One alternative could be the larvae of the black soldier fly, as they have many advantages compared to crops. The larvae in this project were grown on different substrates under controlled conditions and then integrated into poultry feeds with the aim of completely replacing soybean-based ingredients. The detailed information on the entire production chain will help determine the value of larvae as a sustainable alternative to soy, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals of the UN Agenda 2030, especially climate change mitigation. To this end, performance, protein, and energy utilization, as well as carcass, meat and egg quality and the transfer of potential contaminants from the substrate to the food via the larvae were investigated. Overall, the protein value of the larval meal was found to be equivalent to, and in some cases better than, that of soybeans. Performance and product quality were not negatively affected. Contamination of eggs and meat with heavy metals and aflatoxin via the spiked substrate was limited but must be closely monitored.