Effect of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) Larvae Meal on the Productive Performance, Haematological Status, and Blood Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens under Tropical Conditions

Purpose: Soybean meal is the traditional protein source for poultry, but rising costs necessitate alternatives. This study investigated the effect of a strategic inclusion of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (BSFLM), using 10% as a partial protein replacement during early phases and 1% during the finisher phase, on the productive performance and systemic health of Ross 308 broiler chickens under tropical conditions.
Research Method: A one-way ANOVA design was used with two treatments (Control vs. BSFLM). Each treatment comprised 132 birds divided into three replicates (n= 44). Diets for Pre-starter (1-10 d), Starter (11-22 d), and Finisher (23-42 d) phases included 10% BSFLM in the first two phases and 1% in the last. Productive parameters (initial body weight, final body weight, daily feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and mortality percentage), haematological, and blood biochemical were evaluated.
Findings and Values: BSFLM inclusion drastically reduced mortality (P < 0.05; 2.24% BSFLM vs. 20.45% Control). Growth performance showed a numerically higher final body weight, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.436). Haematologically, BSFLM prevented early anaemia, although both treatments exhibited extreme leucocytosis and thrombocytopenia. Biochemically, BSFLM stabilised glucose and improved protein and lipid profiles, however, both treatments showed signs of liver/kidney damage, likely due to heat stress and water quality issues (no residual chlorine and high nitrates). This study demonstrates BSFLM’s practical value in enhancing early survival and metabolic stability.