Low-level inclusion of full-fat black soldier fly larvae meal as a functional ingredient in broiler diets

Abstract Lauric acid, chitin and antimicrobial peptides are constituents of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae with potential benefits for broiler intestinal health, which may positively influence performance and other physiological parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of full-fat BSF larvae meal (FFBSF) inclusion in broiler diets on performance, nutrient digestibility, ileal histopathology and morphometry, bone quality, immune response, and serum biochemistry. A total of 336 broilers were allocated to diets containing 0, 1.5 or 3% FFBSF, incorporated into either simple or complex formulations, in a randomised design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Overall performance was not affected by FFBSF inclusion ( ), although fish meal inclusion resulted in higher weight gain ( ). No differences were observed in dry matter digestibility ( ); however, protein digestibility and energy values were improved in diets containing 1.5% FFBSF within simple formulations, and in the complex diet without FFBSF ( ). Despite a reduction in ash retention with FFBSF inclusion ( ), bone parameters – mineral content and breaking strength of tibia and femur – did not differ among dietary treatments ( ). Immune response, assessed via Newcastle disease antibody titres, and serum biochemical parameters, including liver enzymes and lipid profiles, were not affected by FFBSF inclusion ( ). These findings suggest that including up to 3% full-fat BSF larvae meal in broiler diets does not compromise performance or health indicators, supporting its viability as a sustainable alternative protein source in poultry nutrition.