Effect of partial replacement of soyabean meal by black soldier fly(Hermetia illucens) larvae meal on growth performanceand nutrient retention in broiler chickens

Poultry farming is expanding rapidly in India, with SBM being the primary protein source in diets. However, the rising demand for high-quality protein necessitates alternative, sustainable feed ingredients. Insects such as black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae provide a safe, cost-effective, and promising protein source, thereby reducing competition for plant-based protein like SBM. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of partial replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) on growth and nutrient retention of broiler chickens. Two hundred day-old broiler chicks of the same hatch were randomly divided into four dietary groups, each with five replicates of 10 chicks, for a 35-day trial. The control group (T0) received a basal diet, while T1, T2, and T3 had SBM replaced with 2%, 5%, and 10% BSFLM, respectively. Growth performance, feed intake, nutrient utilization, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded. Results showed that final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and performance index were significantly higher in T3, followed by T2 and T1. FCR also improved in T3 and T2. Nutrient retention, particularly ether extract, calcium, and phosphorus, was also enhanced in T3 group. The findings suggestd that 10% replacement of SBM with BSFLM enhance broiler performance.