Evaluation of housefly (Musca domestica) larvae meal and frass as alternative protein sources in late-phase laying hens: Effects on ileal digestibility and energy utilization.

Summary

This study evaluated housefly larvae meal and housefly larvae plus frass as alternative protein sources for late-phase laying hens across two 10-week trials with 192 birds each. Housefly larvae meal inclusion up to 15% did not impair nutrient digestibility or energy utilization; however, housefly larvae plus frass showed significant interactions with synbiotic-enzyme supplementation, with the 10% HFLF diet supplemented with synbiotics producing substantially improved digestibility coefficients and digestible energy compared to unsupplemented controls. The findings suggest potential for insect-based proteins in poultry feed formulation, particularly when combined with enzyme supplementation.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted on a specific commercial laying hen genotype (Lohmann LSL-Lite) under controlled experimental conditions. Applicability to United Kingdom poultry production would depend on whether UK producers use the same genotype and whether local feed regulatory frameworks permit insect-derived protein sources; EU and UK regulations on insect protein in poultry feed are evolving but increasingly permissive for certain Diptera products.

Key measures

Apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, ash, nitrogen-free extract, crude fibre, calcium; apparent ileal digestible energy (AIDE); factorial design with four inclusion levels (0, 5, 10, 15%) and two synbiotic-enzyme supplementation levels (0, 0.05%)

Outcomes reported

The study measured apparent ileal nutrient digestibility (crude protein, ether extract, ash, nitrogen-free extract, crude fibre) and apparent ileal digestible energy (AIDE) in laying hens fed diets containing housefly larvae meal (HFLM) or housefly larvae plus frass (HFLF) at various inclusion levels, with or without synbiotic-enzyme supplementation.

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