Optimizing Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) Fertility and Chick Growth With Mealworm-Based Feed Supplementation

This study evaluated the effects of mealworm meal premix supplementation on the reproductive performance of adult peafowl and the growth and survivability of their chicks. Mealworms were oven-dried, de-oiled, ground and mixed with fish waste powder (150 g/kg) to prepare a nutritional premix. A total of 120 adult peafowl were allocated into four groups: control (0 g/kg) and three treatment groups receiving 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg of mealworm premix, respectively. Birds were monitored for feed intake, egg production, fertility, hatchability and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hatched chicks were reared for 4 weeks under controlled brooding conditions, and their feed intake, weight gain and survivability were recorded. Results indicated a significant improvement (p  ≤  0.05) in FCR, chick weight, feed intake (for the first 2 weeks) and weekly weight gain in the supplemented groups, particularly at 60 mg/kg inclusion. Fertility and hatchability percentages were consistently higher in treated groups, though not always statistically significant. Chick livability improved markedly during early brooding, with Groups C and D achieving 100% survival by Week 1. The findings suggest that mealworm meal premix enhances reproductive efficiency in breeding peafowl and supports early chick development and survival, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and functional feed additive in avian species.