OPTIMAL BROILER PRODUCTION FUNCTIONS USING BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE MEAL AS PROTEIN SUBSTITUENT


This investigation was performed to provide information on the optimal broiler production, with emphasis on feed cost reduction by substitution of conventional protein inputs, with a novel black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM). Graded inclusion levels of BSFLM were substituted for full fat soy bean meal FFSBM) at 1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5%, 4.5%, and 5.5%. There was significant reduction ( p< 0.5) in marginal production cost (MPC) from 2.5% substitution levels. The MPC reduction showed positive progression at higher inclusion levels, the optimal inclusion was 4.5%. Other evaluated performance indices were growth rate, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, marginal cost analysis, quadratic programming, feed cost index, and profitability index. BSFLM substitution is indicated as a viable cost reduction strategy, for small and medium scale broiler production in the post-covid 19 economy. Key words; Post covid19 Economy, Feed cost reduction, Black Soldier Larva


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