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Feeding live or processed black soldier fly larvae to slow-growing broilers impacts their behaviour differently
A Dörper1, K Nicolai1, G Gort2
1Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700AA Wageningen, the Netherlands.
Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience
|January 31, 2026
Summary
Feeding live black soldier fly (BSF) larvae to broilers enhanced their activity and eating behaviors. Processed BSF larvae products did not significantly impact broiler health or welfare metrics.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Nutrition
- Animal Welfare
Background:
- Growing concerns for broiler welfare necessitate innovative solutions in poultry production.
- Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae contain bioactive compounds with potential to improve broiler health and immune responses.
- Understanding the impact of different BSF larvae product forms on broiler health and behavior is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of dietary black soldier fly (BSF) larvae products on the health and welfare of slow-growing broilers.
- To compare the influence of live BSF larvae versus processed BSF larvae products (meal and fat) at varying inclusion levels.
Main Methods:
- Slow-growing Hubbard JA757 broilers were fed diets containing live BSF larvae, BSF larvae meal and fat combination, or separate meal and fat.
- Two inclusion levels (low and high) were tested for each BSF larvae product.
- Broiler health was assessed via blood biochemical parameters and intestinal organ measurements; welfare was evaluated through physical scores, behavior observations, and activity tracking.
Main Results:
- Feeding live BSF larvae significantly increased eating, locomotion, and active behaviors in broilers compared to control and processed BSF larvae groups.
- Live BSF larvae also led to reduced resting and foraging behaviors.
- No significant differences were observed in biochemical blood parameters or intestinal organ dimensions across all treatment groups.
Conclusions:
- The form of the insect product is more influential than the inclusion level, with live BSF larvae positively impacting broiler behavior.
- Live BSF larvae stimulate natural behaviors like eating and activity, suggesting potential for improved broiler engagement.
- Low quantities of live BSF larvae are recommended to enhance activity in modern broiler production systems.
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