The Use of Insects in Broiler Nutrition

Abstract

In broiler production which is based on fast and high live weight gains, it is important to provide nutrient and energy needs for the birds. Due to some problems in conventional feed materials that used to provide for these needs, alternative feed materials are required. Insects which in the chickens natural diets, are promising for this purpose. Among the most studied species as an alternative protein feed source, soldier fly (Hermetica illucens), housefly (Musca domestica), meadow grasshopper (Gryllus testaceus), silkworm (Bombyx mori), grasshopper (Acrididae) and mealworm (Tenebrio molitor).