Black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) as a protein ingredient in poultry feed

Edible insects, specifically the black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens), are emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources in poultry diets. The BSF larvae, rich in protein and fat, show significant potential as a component of poultry feed, replacing conventional ingredients like fish meal and soybean meal. BSF's ability to convert organic waste into a nutrient-dense resource, comprising proteins, lipids, amino acids, and minerals, is noteworthy. Furthermore, BSF larvae are easy to rear and can be propagated on various substrates, contributing to reducing the environmental impacts resulting from organic waste accumulation. The nutritional profile of BSF, derived from an analysis of 47 articles, reveals its diverse macro- and micronutrient composition, making it a viable option for poultry feed. On a dry matter basis, BSF meal contains 49.8% crude protein, 22.1% ether extract, 11.2% crude fibre, 9.60% ash, 2.61% calcium, 0.98% phosphorus, and 5646 kcal/kg gross energy. The digestibility coefficients of BSF meal for broiler chickens, and laying hens were also evaluated, revealing promising results. BSF meal exhibits a rich amino acid profile, with lysine, leucine, and valine being the most abundant essential amino acids. These levels surpass those found in soybean meal and, except for lysine, fish meal. Despite the potential benefits, the use of BSF meal in animal feed presents challenges related to cost, availability, legal compliance and consumer acceptance. However, given the current limitations of protein-rich feeds and the high nutritional value of BSF, it warrants attention in animal production research. This review emphasises the benefits of using BSF meal as a substitute for protein-rich ingredients in poultry nutrition, given its comparable protein quality to conventional protein sources, such as soybean meal and fish meal.