Black soldier fly larvae study tests soybean meal replacement in broilers

Black soldier fly larvae meal may be able to replace a meaningful share of soybean meal in broiler diets without hurting growth, according to a new study in Veterinary Sciences. In the trial, 160 Ross 708 broilers were assigned diets in which black soldier fly larvae meal replaced soybean meal at 0%, 20%, 40%, or 60% on an equivalent basis, and researchers assessed performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood biochemistry. The findings add to a growing body of poultry nutrition research suggesting insect-derived proteins can function as a viable alternative ingredient, though the broader literature also shows results can vary by inclusion level, processing method, and formulation. (mdpi.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals working with poultry systems, the study speaks to a practical question: how far producers can reduce reliance on soybean meal while maintaining flock performance and health. That matters not just for ration formulation, but also for supply resilience, sustainability claims, and gut health strategies. A recent systematic review found low levels of insect meal generally did not impair broiler growth performance and may support microbiota and immune responses, while the Poultry Science Association has noted that U.S. feed definitions now cover dried black soldier fly larvae for poultry feed, provided the larvae are raised on feed-grade substrates. (mdpi.com)

What to watch: The next question is whether larger commercial field studies, cost data, and formulation work will show where black soldier fly meal fits best in broiler diets at scale. (mdpi.com)