Effect of fish meal substitution with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal on zootechnical parameters of quail (Coturnix coturnix)

The uncontrolled growth of the world's population requires the search for sustainable food sources to ensure food security for future generations. Fishmeal, traditionally used as a primary source of protein in animal feed, is facing increasing scarcity and high costs. The black soldier fly (BSF) larvae stand out as a potential substitute for fishmeal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of substituting fishmeal (FM) with BSF larvae meal in quail feed with a view to exploring the possibility of promoting this protein source in farms and thus reducing competition for fish. Specifically, the influence was assessed on the growth performance, hematological and biochemistry parameters. To achieve this objective, 60 one-day-old quail chicks were divided into three treatment groups T0, T1, and T2 of 20 quails per treatment. T0 was the standard ration with no FM replacement (100% FM), T1; the 50% replacement ration and T2; total FM replacement (0% FM). Parameters monitored were growth performance (weight gain, feed consumption), feed conversion ratio, haematology and blood biochemistry. Results showed that weight gain was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T2 (31.45 ± 17.24 g) and least in T0 (20.66 ± 9.88 g). T2 had the highest feed consumption (2712 ± 0.20 g) and lowest feed conversion ratio (4.31 ± 0.20). Similarly, blood parameters including white blood cells, lymphocytes, creatinine, were highest (p < 0.05) in T2. It can be concluded that fish meal can be replaced with BSF larvae meal up to 100% in poultry diets for improved growth parameters.