Scientific study investigates the egg quality and organ traits in laying hens fed black soldier fly diet

The egg production sector is looking for alternative protein in poultry feed to support more circular food production. Insects are preferred source of nutrients for animals in nature, therefore offer great opportunities for the poultry sector. The 2024 study by Wageningen University and Wageningen Livestock Research, published in Poultry Science investigated the impact of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae and processed ingredients when partly replacing soybean meal in the diets of Brown Nick laying hens.

Diets based on black soldier fly ingredients created more desirable darker yolk colour, which could help reduce the use of artificial colour pigments in poultry diets. The feed conversion ratio parameters improved or remained similar with the inclusion of insect ingredients which demonstrates that ProteinX and LipidX are environmentally and economically favourable sources of nutrition for poultry.