Preliminary study on the effect of feeding Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) on growth and laying performance of Japanese Quail (Cortunix japonica)

Abstract

Soybean meal and fish meal are common protein sources used in poultry feed, but both items need to be imported, causing higher feed costs in Malaysia. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have been introduced and recommended for use as a protein source substitute and produced locally. The findings showed that in the treatment group with 25 percent BSFL, feed intake and FCR were significantly lower (p<0.05). In comparison, in the same treatment group, weight gain, average daily gain, egg weight, and the number of eggs was significantly higher (p<0.05). However, no significant effect was observed for the thickness of the shell of the egg. Since the thickness of the eggshell is similar to that of quails fed commercial diets, the BSFL dietary treatment still supported a satisfactory result on egg consistency. It is concluded that the ratio of 25 percent BSFL added to commercial feed is a leading ration, so that BSFL can be designated as an appropriate supplement feed for quail production.