Effect of scattering black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) as enrichment on the litter on growth performance, gut development and active behaviour of fast and slower-growing broilers

Document type: scientific article published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Authors: Onuoha, Ashraf Alkhtib, Dawn Scholey, Emily J. Burton

Abstract in French (translation): Effect of spreading black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on litter as a supplement on growth performance, intestinal development, and active behavior of fast- and slow-growing broiler chickens
The global trend toward responsible production and consumption has increased the need for environmental enrichment strategies that promote natural activity and behaviors without compromising growth performance in broiler production. This study evaluated the effects of the method of providing whole black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (in a feeder or scattered on the litter) as enrichment on growth performance, feeding behavior, activity, and intestinal development in fast- and slow-growing broiler strains (Ross 308 and Hubbard JA 787, respectively). A 2 × 2 full factorial design was used with a total of 320 male broiler chickens, equally representing the two strains (8 pens per treatment, 10 birds per pen). The birds were fed 15 g of dehydrated black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) per pen between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at 8, 15, 22, 29, 36, and 42 days of age. Growth performance and bird behavior were recorded for each pen. Two birds per pen were sampled for intestinal morphometry at the start, growth, and slaughter stages for both Ross 308 and JA 787 birds. The effect of the insect feeding method (distribution and feeder feeding) on bird weight at slaughter (p = 0.92), overall FCR (p = 0.315), overall weight gain (p = 0.78), and overall feed intake (p = 0.324) was insignificant, regardless of the poultry strain. The distribution of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on the litter significantly increased total activity (Δ = 1.02%, p = 0.018) compared to feeder feeding in fast-growing broiler strains (Ross308). The distribution method had no significant effect on total activity in slower-growing broiler chickens. The insect-based feeding method had no significant effect on intestinal development (p ≥ 0.05). It can be concluded that distributing black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on the litter increases active behaviors (running, walking, preening, stretching, and dust bathing) in fast-growing chickens without compromising growth performance or intestinal development. This increase in activity could improve the health and well-being of fast-growing chickens; however, further studies are needed to support these claims.

Preview: The global drive for responsible production and consumption has increased the need for environmental enrichment strategies that promote activity and natural behaviours without compromising growth performance in broiler production. This study evaluated the effects of whole black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) provisioning method (trough or scattered on the litter) as enrichment on growth performance, feeding behaviour, activity and gut development of fast and slower-growing broiler strains (Ross 308 and Hubbard JA 787, respectively). A 2 × 2 full factorial design was used with a total of 320 male broiler chickens, equally representing both strains (8 pens per treatment,10 birds per pen). The birds received 15 g of dehydrated black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) per pen between 09:00 and 11:00 h on days 8, 15, 22, 29, 36, and 42 of age. Growth performance and bird behaviour were recorded for each pen. Two birds/pen were sampled for gut morphometry at the starter, grower and slaughter stages for both Ross 308 and JA 787 birds. The effect of insect provisioning method (scattering and trough feeding) on slaughter bird weight (p = 0.92), overall FCR (p = 0.315), overall weight gain (p = 0.78), and overall feed intake (p = 0.324) was insignificant regardless of bird strain. Scattering BSFL on the litter significantly increased total activity (Δ = 1.02 %, p = 0.018) when compared to trough feeding in the fast-growing (Ross308) broiler strains. There was no significant effect of provisioning method on total activity in the slower-growing broilers. Insect provisioning method had no significant effect on gut development (p ≥ 0.05). It can be concluded that scattering BSFL on the litter increases active behaviours (running, walking, preening, stretching and dustbathing) in the fast-growing broilers without compromising growth performance and gut development. This increase in activity has the potential to improve health and welfare in the fast-growing broilers; however, further study is needed to support these claims.