ISSUE FOCUS 30 Alternative Proteins Magazine April 2025 bined action of their antimicrobial lipids and prebiotic fibres, which can help modulate the gut microbiota composition and support digestive function. Studies have observed positive effects on intestinal morphology in BSFL-fed birds, including increased villus height, indicative of enhanced nutrient absorptive surface area. In disease challenge models, birds receiving BSFL may exhibit reduced gut lesion scores and demonstrate improved recovery from intestinal stress.3 These improvements in gut health and nutrient utilisation can directly translate to better feed conversion ratios (FCR), allowing birds to achieve target weights or production levels with lower feed consumption. This yields benefits for both economic efficiency and resource sustainability. Importantly, the gut health and immune-modulating properties attributed to BSFL may contribute to a reduced reliance on routine antibiotic use. In line with global efforts towards antimicrobial stewardship, BSFL offer a nutritional strategy to support flock health management. WELFARE STARTS WITH BEHAVIOUR Supporting poultry welfare involves enabling natural behaviours, not solely preventing disease. Providing live BSFL can play a meaningful role in behavioural enrichment by stimulating instinctive foraging actions such as pecking, scratching, and exploring. This type of engagement helps reduce stress and discourages the development of abnormal behaviours like injurious feather pecking or cannibalism in enriched environments, which can arise from lack of stimulation or frustration in certain housing environments. Birds offered live larvae often appear calmer, are more active, and may show improved feather coverage—indicators commonly associated with better welfare. The increased physical activity encouraged by foraging might also contribute positively to leg strength and potentially reduce the incidence of locomotion issues, particularly in broilers. Live larvae provide sustained periods of engagement compared to static enrichment objects. Even when incorporated in dried or meal form, BSFL generally exhibit high palatability, encouraging feed intake. This characteristic can be particularly valuable during periods of stress, such as heat stress or post-vaccination recovery, when appetite suppression may occur. BSFL AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY BSFL contribute significantly to sustainability through their capacity to convert organic sideNutrient Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) 2.0 - 4.0 1.0 - 2.0 1.5 - 2.5 Common Range % Table 2. Common Range (%) of Macronutrients (N, P, K) in BSF Frass. (Data based on internal studies provided courtesy of Flybox® R&D)
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