No abstract

Insects could be a potential replacement of protein-rich ingredients in poultry diets. Among these insects, black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, has a high content of protein and fat, which reinforces the potential of using it in poultry feed formulation and makes it one of the most promising insect species for commercial production. Protein content as well as amino acid profile in H. illucens larvae is comparable to those in many protein-rich feedstuffs such as fish meal and soybean meal. BSF can convert organic wastes into a precious source of nutrients, such as proteins, lipids, and chitin, which contribute to reducing the environmental burden and pollution potential arising from organic waste accumulation. This review emphasizes the significance of this insect as a “green” technology in the extremely variable recycling of organic waste and generates a sustainable protein source as well as the importance of its use as a substitute of protein-rich feedstuff in poultry feed manufacturing.

The increased awareness regarding the quality and safety of poultry products and related health properties, in addition to the prohibition of antibiotic growth promoters from the European Union markets have raised attention of producers to plant-based feed additives as unconventional alternatives. Phytogenic feed supplements, such as spices, intact herbs and their extracts, prebiotics, probiotics, and essential oils are the conventional alternatives of antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production sector (Abd