Evaluation of Westwood Larva (Cirina forda) Meal as feed for Broiler Production

Kolapo Kabir ARASI, Sadiq Gbolagade ADEMOLA, Muritala Daniel SHITTU, Akinyinka Olu AKINWUMI, Adeyinka Adeniyi ODUNSI, Mary Eniola TOGUN

Abstract: One hundred and ninety eight (198) day old broiler chicks of Arbor Acre strain were used to
determine the performance, nutrients digestibility, serum enzymes and organoleptic properties of
broiler chickens fed graded levels of Westwood larva meal (WLM) as a replacement for local fishmeal
(Schilbe mystus) and imported fishmeal. Six experimental diets were fed in a completely randomized
design. Diet without fishmeal served as Negative Control (NC). Diet containing 100% imported
fishmeal (IF) was the Positive Control (PC). Westwood larva meal replaced imported fishmeal as well
as Schilbe mystus fishmeal (SMF) at 50% and 100% in the other four diets. Data were collected on
performance, serum enzymes and organoleptic properties. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis
of variance. The WLM, IF and SMF respectively contained 42.7%, 60.9% and 54.6% crude protein.
Westwood Larva meal showed high lysine (7.05%) and low methionine (0.91%) content. The final
body weight (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG) of broiler chicken fed 50% WLM as replacement
for SMF were significantly higher than those fed 100% SMF. Feeding 100% WLM to broiler chicken
caused elevated level of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Highest ether extract, crude fibre
and nitrogen-free extract digestibility were noticed in broilers fed 100% SMF, 100% WLM and NC,
respectively. Thigh meat of broilers fed diet 100% WLM (T6) had the best colour, flavour, juiciness
and acceptability than those fed other diets.
It is concluded that WLM could optimally replace SMF and IF in broilers diet at 50% to support
maximum growth rate.

Keywords: broiler; fishmeal; growth performance; Insect larva meal; meat; serum enzymes

Date published: 2022-06-28