Effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal Inclusion in Layer Feeds on the Quality of the Eggs

Abstract

The high cost of fish meal (FM), a conventional protein source in poultry feeds, presents a major challenge especially for the small-scale farmers. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) is a promising nutrient rich alternative, but its effect on egg quality requires comprehensive evaluation. The current study aimed to provide the first comprehensive evidence of the nutrient quality of eggs harvested from layers fed diets containing black soldier fly larval meal (BSFLM) as a substitute for the fish meal (FM). This study utilized seventy-five Isa Brown layers (n-75) fed on BSF-based diet types that were nutritionally balanced consisting of 0% BSFLM+100% FM - (control); 25% BSFLM+75% FM; 50% BSFLM+50% FM; 75% BSFLM+25% FM and100% BSFLM+0% FM). The research employed a completely randomized design (CRD) model, with the design assigning five (5) birds per replicate for each treatment throughout the entire egg laying phases in which each treatment was replicated three (3) times. This study revealed that increased inclusion levels of BSFLM in layers diets led to a significant increase in egg weight (F4, 20 = 15.241, P < 0.001) and yolk weight (F4, 20 = 8.068, P < 0.001). BSFLM inclusion in the layers diet did not significantly alter the n-6 (omega-6) and n-3 (omega-3) ratio (F4, 20 = 1.438, P =0.258). The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) content significantly increased with increasing levels of BSFLM (F4, 20 = 41.054, P =< 0.001). Inclusion of BSFLM in the layers diet contributed to a significant increase in MUFA content and the egg weight, Haugh unit and shell thickness collectively improving the quality of the eggs.