Optimizing Peafowl ( Pavo cristatus ) Fertility and Chick Growth With Mealworm‐Based Feed Supplementation

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This study evaluated the effects of mealworm meal premix supplementation on the reproductive performance of adult peafowl and the growth and survivability of their chicks. Mealworms were oven-dried, de-oiled, ground and mixed with fish waste powder (150 g/kg) to prepare a nutritional premix. A total of 120 adult peafowl were allocated into four groups: control (0 g/kg) and three treatment groups receiving 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg of mealworm premix, respectively. Birds were monitored for feed intake, egg production, fertility, hatchability and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hatched chicks were reared for 4 weeks under controlled brooding conditions, and their feed intake, weight gain and survivability were recorded. Results indicated a significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) in FCR, chick weight, feed intake (for the first 2 weeks) and weekly weight gain in the supplemented groups, particularly at 60 mg/kg inclusion. Fertility and hatchability percentages were consistently higher in treated groups, though not always statistically significant. Chick livability improved markedly during early brooding, with Groups C and D achieving 100% survival by Week 1. The findings suggest that mealworm meal premix enhances reproductive efficiency in breeding peafowl and supports early chick development and survival, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and functional feed additive in avian species.