Insects as a Sustainable Alternative in Poultry Feed

Given that production costs and input availability are increasingly affecting the poultry industry, there is a clear need to explore innovative and sustainable alternatives for animal feed. One of these options is the use of Hermetia illucens larval meal (black soldier fly), a highly nutritious ingredient that could partially replace traditional feed sources such as soybean and corn.

 

A team of researchers from Zamorano, including M. C. Hernández and I. M. González from the Poultry Research and Teaching Center, as well as Katerin Veroy and Jesús Orozco from the Insect Collection, evaluated the effect of including different levels of Hermetia illucens meal in the diet of laying hens, analyzing its impact on production, egg quality, bird health, and the environment. The results showed that a 15% inclusion of Hermetia illucens meal improves egg production and feed efficiency, while also reducing the number of dirty eggs, without affecting health indicators such as blood parameters or the immune system. However, higher levels of the meal may affect some egg characteristics valued by consumers, such as yolk color and shell thickness.

 

In addition to the productive benefits, the study highlighted a positive environmental impact, as this alternative reduces nitrogen and phosphorus excretion in waste, helping to decrease pollution. These findings position insects as a promising option for more efficient and sustainable poultry production, opening new opportunities for innovation in animal nutrition.