Impact of Replacing Soybean Meal with Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal on the Development of Tibial Bone in Vancobb Broiler Chickens

The current study compared the impact of partial soybean meal replacement with Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (BSFLM) as a source of protein on the development of tibial bone in Vancob broiler chickens. A total of four dietary regimens were developed: T0 (control; 0% replacement), T1 (40% replacement), T2 (50% replacement) and T3 (60% substitution of soybean meal protein with BSFLM). Tibial length and morphometric parameters, including proximal end width, mid-shaft diameter and distal end width, were measured at the end of the experimental period. The data showed a steady increase in tibial length and bone thickness in BSFLM-fed groups in a direct comparison with control animals. T3, T1 and T2 have the highest average length of tibial bone (108.6 mm). Studies performed through morphometric evaluation indicated greater bone robustness with BSFLM-based diets that contributed to the progression of skeletal maturation without associated ill effects. The authors concluded from their investigations that BSFLM can safely replace soybean meal protein by 60% in Vancobb broiler diets, which provides positive effects on the evolution of tibial bone.