Study tests black soldier fly meal as soybean replacement in broilers
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A new broiler nutrition study suggests black soldier fly larvae meal could replace a meaningful share of soybean meal without hurting performance, but the benefits appear to taper at higher inclusion rates. In the paper, published in Veterinary Sciences in March 2026, researchers fed 160 Ross 708 broilers diets in which black soldier fly larvae meal replaced soybean meal at 0%, 20%, 40%, or 60% on an equivalent basis, then measured growth, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood biochemistry. The study adds to a growing body of insect-protein research in poultry, where lower or partial replacement levels have often performed well, while more aggressive substitution has produced mixed results depending on formulation, processing, and species or strain. That pattern is consistent with earlier broiler work showing that low inclusion of full-fat Hermetia illucens or Tenebrio molitor meal (2% to 4%) did not impair growth, feed conversion, mortality, or overall carcass quality, though some meat-quality and blood-lipid changes were noted. (mdpi.com)
Why it matters: For veterinary professionals and poultry nutrition teams, the practical question isn’t whether insect meal is promising, but where it fits safely and economically in commercial diets. Black soldier fly ingredients are drawing interest because they can reduce reliance on soybean meal and support circular-feed strategies, and they now have a clearer regulatory pathway in some markets. In the U.S., AAFCO’s 2025 Official Publication lists dried black soldier fly larvae for use in finfish, poultry, and swine feed, while the EU has allowed insect processed animal proteins in poultry and pig feed since 2021. Even so, the broader literature still points to formulation sensitivity, especially around energy availability, digestibility, fatty acid profile, and consistency of insect production inputs. That caution extends beyond insect meal itself: even a 10% reduction in soybean meal in broilers has been linked to higher mortality, higher feed intake, lower ether extract availability, and shifts in cecal microbiota unless the diet is carefully managed. (aafco.org)
What to watch: Expect more attention on optimal inclusion thresholds, ingredient standardization, and whether newer black soldier fly products can deliver consistent health and performance outcomes at commercial scale. Threshold effects are showing up in other species too: in grey mullet, moderate black soldier fly inclusion supported gut morphology, while the highest level worsened intestinal condition despite preserved growth. (mdpi.com)