The Impact of Using Flying Termites as an Alternative Protein Supplement to Soybean Meal on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

Abstract; This study investigated the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with flying termite meal (FTM) as an alternative protein source on the growth performance of broiler chickens. A total of 180 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments, with FTM replacing SBM at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% levels. The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design (CRD) and lasted eight weeks. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments, with birds fed 50% FTM showing better FCR and optimal growth performance compared to other groups. According to the study's findings, flying termites may up to 50% replace soybean meal without negatively affecting the development performance of broilers, offering a locally accessible, affordable, and sustainable protein substitute for chicken production in tropical areas.