Effects of dietary black soldier fly larvae meal inclusion on the serum metabolome of Silkie crossbreed chickens

Introduction: ) meal, an alternative to conventional dietary protein sources, such as soybean meal, is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, antimicrobial peptides and other bioactive components. These components may modulate the composition and function of the gut microbiota or, after absorption, affect host metabolic pathways. We hypothesised that the functional effects of BSFL meal would be reflected in alterations in the serum metabolite profile of Silkie crossbreed chickens. Methods: Serum samples from chickens fed a control soybean-based diet or a diet containing 150 g/kg partially defatted BSFL meal were analysed using untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results and Discussion: = 0.08, respectively). Overall, dietary inclusion of 150 g/kg BSFL meal modified systemic metabolism without detectable negative effects on performance or serum biomarkers, suggesting that this level of BSFL inclusion can be beneficial for slow-growing Silkie chickens.