Comparative study of growth and HSP70 gene expression in Japanese quails fed different levels of Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens

Abstract

Background: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 expression in gendered Japanese quail were assessed. The quails were fed on three different diets containing 100% soybean meal (diet A), 50% soybean and 50% Hermetia illucensmeal (diet B) and 100% Hermetia illucensmeal (diet C). Results:the results revealed that overall live body weight(LBW), the relative weight of carcass, small intestine, heart, liver, gender organs, spleen and bursa of Fabriciusof quails were significantly elevated for diet B and C as compared to diet. A. The interaction of dietary treatment and HS had a significant effect on the diet A group's LBW, the relative weight of carcass, and measured organs, whereas the diet B and diet C groups had no or least effect on their traits. Investigating HSP70 gene expressionwith HS exposure in control diet A was 13.215. While, the diet B was expressed of 8.487with the HSP70 gene. Moreover, the gene expression of the birds fed on diet C was3.203. Conclusion:Our findings point to a beneficial role for Hermetia illucensmeal as a quail feed in improving growth performance and combating the negative effects of HS exposure on bird growth.