Assessment of the chemical characteristics and nutritional quality of meat from broiler chicken fed black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal

In this study, we aim to evaluate the chemical characteristics, and nutritional quality of raw meat from broiler chicken fed a black soldier fly larvae meal. Three hundred twenty female broiler chicks were divided into four dietary treatments (8 replicates/treatments). Birds were fed maggot meal at 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%. At 42 days of age, 16 birds/treatment were randomly selected and slaughtered. The chemical characteristics and nutritional quality of the meat were assessed. Abdominal fat, intramuscular lipid levels, and cholesterol levels increased (p < 0.05) in chicken-fed larvae meal. The latter had a higher level of mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids but a lower level of omega 3 (ω3) compared to the control. The atherogenicity index (AI) and the thrombogenicity index (TI) decreased with maggot meal incorporation. The unsaturation index was better at 4% and 8% maggot meal. Chickens fed with 8% maggot meal would present less risk for cardiovascular health.