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Insect feed for healthy poultry

Escrito por: David Corredor
Insect

The use of insect-derived products in poultry feed is gaining momentum as a sustainable and health-promoting alternative to conventional feed ingredients. Insects such as black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), houseflies, and mealworms are rich in proteins, essential amino acids, and bioactive compounds that contribute to improved poultry health and performance.

In addition to disease resistance, insect products can improve feed efficiency and growth performance. In vivo trials revealed that broilers challenged with coccidiosis and fed with 10% BSFL meal showed superior gain-to-feed ratios during recovery periods. Moreover, insect meals are highly digestible and palatable, meeting poultry nutritional requirements while offering a natural protein source.

Insects also contribute to environmental sustainability. They can be reared on organic waste, transforming low-value by-products into high-quality feed. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions and land use but also supports circular economy principles. Compared to traditional protein sources like soybean and fish meal, insect farming requires less water and space, making it a viable solution to feed-food competition.

In conclusion, insect products offer a multifaceted approach to enhancing poultry health, improving feed efficiency, and promoting sustainability. Continued research and investment in insect farming technologies will be crucial to unlocking their full potential in commercial poultry production.

Sources: Available upon request

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