Insects are promising candidates as alternative sustainable sources of protein for poultry species. The present research studied the effect of a dietary inclusion of a defatted black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal as an alternative protein source in the diets of laying quails, on productive performance, egg physicochemical quality, fatty acid profile, sensory traits and storage stability. A total of 225 laying quails were divided into 3 dietary groups (5 replicates/each). A conventional soybean meal-based diet was formulated (Control group), and two other diets were formulated including either 10% (BSF10) or 15% (BSF15) defatted BSF larvae meal. Laying quails showed satisfactory productive performance throughout the trial. BSF10 and BSF15 eggs had the highest shape index (p < 0.01), shell weight and percentage (p < 0.001) and the most intense yolk color (p < 0.001). Defatted BSF larvae meal increased the eggs’ saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.001) to the detriment of the polyunsaturated fraction (p < 0.001). Overall the eggs’ sensory profile was not affected by the dietary treatment, but BSF15 eggs had a higher feed off-flavor vs Control group (p < 0.05). At day 28 of storage, oxidative stability was higher in BSF10 vs. Control eggs (p < 0.01). Defatted BSF larvae meal can be considered a possible alternative ingredient to soybean meal in laying quail diets, up to the 15% inclusion level.

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The objective was to study the effect of the partial substitution of soybean meal and oil with fullfat silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) meal (SWM) in the diet of growing chickens, on their growth and meat quality traits. A total of 195 1-day-old chicks of both sexes were allocated to 15 littered floor pens and assigned to three dietary treatments (5 replicates/treatments) until 8 weeks of age: a commercial diet (Control) and other two diets with an inclusion of either 25% (SWM25) or 50% (SWM50) SWM. At 8 weeks of age, two males/replicates were slaughtered and carcases dissected to compute yields. Pectoralis major muscle was subjected to pH and L à a à b à colour values, proximate composition and fatty acid profile analysis. All chickens showed satisfactory growth performance throughout the trial, with the best growth being observed in the SWM25 group. Carcase traits remained unaffected by the dietary treatment, but SWM25 chickens had a higher breast yield (p < .05) than the Control group. The pH of SWM50 breasts was higher than Control (p < .01). Dietary treatments affected meat protein content, differing between SWM25 and SWM50 (22.2 versus 23.3%, respectively; p < .05). SWM dietary inclusion increased n-3 PUFA and lowered the n-6 PUFA proportions in a level-dependent manner. Consequently, n-6/n-3 ratio diminished, thus improved, with the dietary SWM inclusion. Results showed that it is possible to partly substitute soybean meal/oil with SWM in the diet of chickens, ensuring satisfactory performance and carcase traits, and providing meat with a healthier n-6/n-3 ratio. HIGHLIGHTS Silkworm (Bombyx mori) chrysalis is a possible sustainable feed ingredient for growing chickens, alternative to conventional soybean. The dietary inclusion of silkworm full-fat meal in chicken diets provided satisfactory growth performance, carcase and meat quality traits. The dietary inclusion of full-fat silkworm meal in chicken diets enriched meat lipids with omega-3 fatty acids.

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The present research was conducted to determine the optimal inclusion level of full-fat silkworm chrysalis meal (SWM) into laying quails’ diets, focusing on performance traits and egg physical quality. A total of 240 31-day-old female Japanese quails were randomly assigned to four dietary groups (12 replicates/treatment; 5 quails/replicate); quails were initially fed a standard commercial diet for pullets until 63 days of age. When oviposition started, the experimental groups received the following diets: a conventional corn and soybean-based diet (control diet—C) and three other diets, including 4%, 8%, or 12% of full-fat SWM (SWM4, SWM8, SWM12, respectively). Experimental diets were provided until quails reached 119 days of age. Birds displayed satisfactory productive performance throughout the trial. SWM12 and SWM8 had higher (p < 0.001) egg production but also a higher feed conversion ratio compared to C. At the end of the trial, the eggs edible portion increased, and shell weight decreased with increasing the SWM dietary inclusion level (p < 0.001). At the same time, SWM12 displayed an increase in albumen pH (p < 0.05), even though in the normal range for quail egg. Overall, full-fat SWM (up to 12%) can be considered a promising feed ingredient for laying quails, although higher inclusion levels (>8%) require special attention because SWM also contains anti-nutritional factors.