Comparative Study of Growth and HSP70 Gene Transcription in Japanese Quails fed Different Levels of Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens

Abstract

Edible insects are considered a promising nutritious, sustainable alternative protein source for feed. The effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) meal on growth performance, heat stress-responses (HS) and heat shock protein (HSP70) gene transcription in gendered Japanese quail was assessed. The quails were fed on three different diets containing 100% soybean meal (diet A), 50% soybean and 50% H. illucens meal (diet B) and 100% H. illucens meal (diet C). The results revealed that diet B and C significantly increased overall live body weight (LBW), relative carcass weight, small intestine, heart, liver, gender organs, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius of quails when compared to diet A. The LBW, relative carcass weight, and measured organs of the diet A group were significantly impacted by the interaction of dietary treatment and HS, whereas these traits had no or minimal effects on the diet B and diet C groups. The HSP70 gene transcription level was highest in birds exposed to cyclic HS and fed control diet A, and lowest in birds in the diet C groups. Conclusively, 100% replacement of the soybean meal with H.illucens meal can enhance the growth response, reduce HSP70 gene transcriptionand mitigate the negative effects of HS on quails exposed to cyclic heat stress.