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Insect meal; Poultry nutrition; Sustainable feed; Alternative protein source; Black soldier fly; Feed conversion ratio; Circular economy; Poultry farming; Environmental impact; Insect-based diet

Introduction

The increasing demand for animal-based protein worldwide has intensified pressure on conventional feed resources, particularly soybean meal and fishmeal, which are not only expensive but also environmentally unsustainable. With rising concerns about climate change, land degradation, and overfishing, researchers and the poultry industry are exploring novel feed ingredients that are ecologically sound, nutritionally adequate, and economically viable. Insect meal, especially derived from species like the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), and housefly larvae, has emerged as a promising alternative protein source [1-5]. Rich in high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and lipids, insect meal aligns with the principles of circular bioeconomy by converting organic waste into valuable animal feed. This study investigates the formulation of insect meal-based poultry feed, evaluates its nutritional profile, performance outcomes in broiler chickens, and assesses its environmental and economic sustainability [6-10].

Discussion

The experimental design included 180 Cobb-500 broiler chicks, randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: T0 (control with standard soybean-based diet), T1 (10% insect meal), T2 (20% insect meal), and T3 (30% insect meal), using defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL) as the protein replacement source. All diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric to ensure comparability. The birds were reared under standard commercial conditions for 42 days, with growth performance, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and carcass yield recorded.

The proximate analysis revealed that BSFL meal contained ~45% crude protein, 15% lipid, and high levels of calcium and phosphorus, making it a nutrient-rich substitute for traditional feed proteins. Birds fed with insect meal (especially at 20%) showed comparable or better growth performance than those on the control diet. The T2 group exhibited the best FCR (1.52) and average weight gain, without any negative impact on feed intake or organ health.

Health parameters and gut histology analyses showed no adverse effects. In fact, birds in the insect-fed groups had improved gut morphology (longer villi and deeper crypts) and reduced pathogenic bacterial counts, likely due to the antimicrobial peptides present in insect meal. Additionally, a slight improvement in immune response was observed, indicated by increased levels of immunoglobulin A and better vaccine responsiveness.

From an environmental standpoint, insect farming has several advantages: lower greenhouse gas emissions, minimal water use, and the ability to recycle agricultural and food waste into biomass. The lifecycle assessment (LCA) conducted in this study estimated a 40–60% reduction in COâ‚‚ equivalent emissions when BSFL replaced soy or fishmeal.

Economically, while the current cost of insect meal is still slightly higher due to limited scale and processing infrastructure, it is expected to decrease as production scales up. Farmers expressed interest in adopting insect-based feed, particularly if supported by local insect farming cooperatives or subsidies.

Conclusion

The formulation of insect meal-based poultry feed, particularly using black soldier fly larvae, presents a viable, sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources in commercial poultry farming. The study confirms that up to 20–30% inclusion of BSFL meal does not compromise bird growth or health and may even enhance gut health and immune performance. In addition to offering nutritional benefits, insect meal contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting waste valorization and reducing the carbon footprint of poultry production. To accelerate adoption, investment in local insect farming infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and farmer awareness programs are essential. With growing global interest in sustainable agriculture, insect meal is poised to become a core component of future poultry nutrition strategies.

References

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2. Njenga SK (2005) . The Royal and Agricultural University (KVL), Denmark.

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4. FAO (2019) .

5. Gueye EF (2005) . Senegalese Institute of Agricultural research (ISRA).

6. CSA (2017) . Agricultural Sample Survey. Vol. II. Report on Livestock and Livestock Characteristics (Private Peasant Holdings), CSA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    

7. Alders R, Bagnol B, Harun M, Young M (2009) . LEISA Magazine 23: 20-21.

8. Alam GMM, Khatun Most N, Kamruzzaman M (2012) . Annals of Bangladesh Agriculture 16.

9. FAO (2014) . Animal Production and Health Working.

10. Tadelle DS (2003) . PhD Dessertation, HumboldtUniversity, Berlin, Germany.

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