Productive Behavior, Hematological Values, and Blood Metabolites in Dairy Cows Supplemented with Hermetia illucens L. Larvae Meal as a Protein Source

The use of Hermetia illucens larvae meal as a constituent of a concentrate supplement in the feeding of dairy cows in the northern Peruvian Andes was evaluated.Eight second and third calving Holstein cows were selected in the second third of lactation (between 100 -200 days), fed on ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) -white clover (Trifolium repens) pastures.Treatments were distributed in a repeated Latin square design using different levels of soybean cake and Hermetia illucens L. larvae meal, rich in protein and fat.No significant differences (P>0.05) were evident between treatments in terms of daily milk production, chemical composition in terms of total solids, protein, fat, and lactose.The cows' hematological parameters and blood metabolites remained within reference values, indicating that the larval meal diet met protein and energy requirements.In economic terms, the total replacement of soybean cake with grub meal decreased the cost of concentrate feed.Hermetia illucens larval meal should be considered as a sustainable option to improve productive and economic efficiency in dairy cattle systems, without compromising animal health and productivity.