Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Organoleptic Properties of Quail (Coturnix-coturnix Japonica) Meat Fed with Black Soldier Fly Maggot Meal Added Diet

Feed is one of the important factors that support quail productivity. One of the sources of feed protein that is usually used in quail feed is Meat Bone Meal (MBM). Meat Bone Meal (MBM) is a feed ingredient that serves as a source of animal protein as well as minerals, particularly calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), which play a crucial role in the growth and health of livestock. MBM is an imported product, causing it to be expensive. One of the alternatives to replace MBM is by utilizing local feed ingredients, namely black soldier fly (BSF) maggots. This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic characteristics of quail meat given BSF maggot flour in feed. The quail used are female birds quail with a laying period of 44-50 weeks. Research procedures include maintaining and making BSF maggot flour, producing feed, preparing and maintaining cages, slaughtering, and testing meat's physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic characteristics. The treatment given is R0 (feed containing MBM) and R1 (feed containing black soldier fly maggot). The data obtained was analyzed using a two-sample t-test. The results showed that quail fed diets containing the main protein source of black soldier fly maggot produced physical and microbiological characteristics of meat that were not different from quail fed diets containing MBM. Quail fed with maggot produced meat with a significantly lower cholesterol content and a more savory taste and preferred color.