Nutritional evaluation of Bunaeopsis aurantiaca (Rothschild, 1895) caterpillar meal for broiler chickens: Effects on growth performance, blood profiles, apparent nutrient digestibility, carcass and economic characteristics
Abstract
Importance of the work: Fish meal is used widely in poultry diets due to its high digestibility, balanced amino acid profile and absence of anti-nutritional factors. However, rising costs, limited supply, environmental constraints and competition with human consumption have highlighted the urgent need for affordable, sustainable alternative protein sources for poultry production in Africa. Objectives: To assess the effects of Bunaeopsis aurantiaca (Rothschild, 1895) caterpillar meal (BAM) on performance, blood biochemistry, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and economics. Materials and Methods: In total, 300 unsexed day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (mean weight ± sd = 48.00 ± 0.01 g) were assigned to three dietary treatments containing BAM. From days 3–28, diets with different weights of BAM on a dry matter (DM basis) were tested replacing fish meal: 0 g/kg (BAM0), 10 g/kg (BAM50) and 20 g /kg (BAM100). Then, from days 29–56, the DM BAM levels for these three diets were 0 g/kg, 7.5 g/kg and 15 g /kg, respectively. Birds were allotted to a completely randomized design with five replicates of 20 birds each. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Results: BAM0 birds had higher (p < 0.0001) feed intake during days 3–28 and overall (3–56 days). Hemoglobin, total protein and urea levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the BAM0 birds, while the serum Ca, Mg and K levels declined (p < 0.05) in the BAM100 sample. The crude protein digestibility was greater (p < 0.0001) in the BAM0 birds, but the ether extract digestibility was highest in the BAM100 sample. Feed cost and gross margin improved (p < 0.05) with BAM50 and BAM100 diets. Main finding: BAM could be used to replace fish meal in broiler diets without adverse effects on key performance indices. Further research is warranted to assess long-term impacts.