"Effects of replacing fish meal with partially defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens"

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal has gained considerable attention as a sustainable alternative protein source for poultry diets. However, information on the optimum level of replacement of fish meal with partially defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (PDBSFLM) in broiler diets remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of graded replacement of fish meal with PDBSFLM on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 150 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments consisting of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% replacement of fish meal with PDBSFLM. Each treatment had three replicates of 10 birds and the feeding trial lasted 35 days. Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and dressing percentage were determined. Dietary treatment significantly affected all measured parameters (p < 0.05). Broilers fed the diet containing 25% PDBSFLM recorded the highest feed intake (772.29 g), body weight gain (211.76 g), and dressing percentage (90.76%), as well as the most efficient FCR (3.65). Performance and carcass yield declined as the level of fish meal replacement increased beyond 25%. Complete replacement of fish meal resulted in the lowest growth performance and dressing percentage (62.26%). The results indicate that partial replacement of fish meal with PDBSFLM can improve broiler productivity and carcass yield, whereas excessive inclusion may negatively affect performance. Under the conditions of this study, replacement of fish meal with PDBSFLM at 25% was the most effective level for supporting growth and carcass development. These findings demonstrate the potential of partially defatted black soldier fly larvae meal as a sustainable alternative protein ingredient in broiler nutrition.