Addition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae ( <i>Hermetia illucens</i> L.) and Propolis to Broiler Chicken Performance

Abstract

Concern on the environmental impact of conservative feed material made the search for alternative feed becomes global challenge. Insect have been addressed as a possible alternative feed due to their high nutrient and extremely low environmental impact. The present research studied for the potential application of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) in substitution to fish powder in the diet for broiler chickens. Furthermore, propolis extract also added to enhance the performance of broiler chickens. Growth performances, blood traits, and meat quality were considered in this study. A total of 40 male broiler chicks as one-day of age were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments: P0 (100% basal diet + 1 ml aquadest), P1 (100% basal diet + 1 ml propolis extract 3%), P2 (85% basal diet + 15% BSFL powder + 1 ml aquadest), and P3 (85% basal diet + 15% BSFL powder + 1 ml propolis extract 3%). The total weight of 35 days old chicken was recorded at P3 (979 g) slightly higher than other group. The broiler chicken breast meat with significant lowest fat content recorded at P1 (1.19%) and highest crude protein at P3 (32,67%) (p<0.05). On the other hand, control chicken has highest red blood count, P1 has highest haematocrit, P2 has highest haemoglobin, and P3 has highest white blood cell count. BSFL and propolis inclusion showed satisfactory growth, blood traits, much healthier meat quality, thus suggesting this method as a promising to develop local based feed ingredient for chickens.