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Dalle Zotte A, Singh Y, Palumbo B, Contiero B, Cullere M. Live yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae: a promising nutritional enrichment for laying quails. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103759. [PMID: 38678977 PMCID: PMC11060950 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing live Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae to laying quails (Coturnix japonica) as nutritional enrichment. Live performances, apparent digestibility of nutrients (including that of sole live TM larvae), egg physicochemical quality, sensory traits, and storage stability were considered in this experiment. Sixty laying quails were divided into 2 dietary groups (6 replicated cages/group; 5 quails/cage): a Control group received a basal diet for laying quails and a TM10 group was fed with the Control diet supplemented with live TM larvae (10% of the expected daily feed intake). For the digestibility trial, 30 laying quails were divided into 3 dietary groups: the first 2 groups were fed with the Control and TM10 diets, while the third group received ad libitum live TM larvae (TM100) as a complete replacement for the Control diet. Overall, no mortality was recorded during the trials. Quails fed TM showed a remarkable capability of digesting dietary chitin (P < 0.0001). TM100 quails showed the lowest digestibility for dry matter, crude protein, and energy, but that of ether extract was the highest (P < 0.001). The presence of live TM larvae stimulated quails' feed intake (P < 0.0001), but did not affect performance traits. Similarly, overall physicochemical quality attributes and storage stability were comparable in Control and TM10 eggs. The sensory features of quail eggs differed in TM10 vs. Control groups: TM10 eggs had the lowest overall flavor (P < 0.01), sulfur (P < 0.05) and greasy-oily (P < 0.01) intensities. Therefore, a 10% TM dietary supplementation is effective in stimulating feeding activity of quails, but it did not provide any productive improvement compared to a standard diet. Further studies should assess the possible beneficial effect of live TM supplementation on quail's gut health. The digestibility trial with the sole live TM larvae allowed to assess the specific nutritional value of this emerging feedstuff which is of utmost importance for future feed formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Dalle Zotte
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova 35020, Italy
| | - Yazavinder Singh
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova 35020, Italy.
| | - Bianca Palumbo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova 35020, Italy
| | - Barbara Contiero
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova 35020, Italy
| | - Marco Cullere
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova 35020, Italy
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Bongiorno V, Gariglio M, Zambotto V, Cappone EE, Biasato I, Renna M, Gasco L, Bergagna S, Manenti I, Macchi E, Gai F, Schiavone A. Organic medium-growing chickens fed live black soldier fly larvae: A welfare improvement study. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2024. [PMID: 38863379 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The overall beneficial effect of live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on the welfare of broiler chickens, turkeys, and laying hens has already been discussed in the literature. However, scant information is available regarding the benefits of feeding live BSFL to medium-growing chicken hybrids reared under organic/free-range conditions, and whose welfare is frequently cited as being inadequate. The aim of this research was to advance our knowledge of this topic. To this end, 240 label naked neck birds (Hubbard JA57 hybrid) were assigned, at 21 days of age, to four experimental groups (6 replicates/treatment, 10 chickens/replicate), created according to sex (M/F) and the provision of a 10% live BSFL dietary supplementation (control males, control females, larvae males, and larvae females), and raised until 82 days of age. We performed behavioural observations, a tonic immobility test, and an avoidance distance (AD) test. We assessed feather damage and cleanliness, hock burn, footpad dermatitis, and skin lesion scores, and determined the concentration of excreta corticosterone metabolites (ECM) and the heterophile to lymphocyte heterophile/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio. The behavioural observations demonstrated increased physical and foraging activity (p < 0.05) in the live BSFL administered groups compared with C ones, providing valuable data on the explorative and recreational behaviour of this chicken genotype. The results also evidenced the usefulness of live BSFL as a fear reducer in females, as those receiving the BSFL supplement moved closer to the operator during the AD test (p < 0.01). No physical injuries or damage were observed on the birds, regardless of whether they received the BSFL supplementation or not. The ECM were unaffected by BSFL supplementation, while the H/L ratio was higher in the larvae groups than in the control ones (p = 0.050). In conclusion, live BSFL provision could constitute a powerful tool for improving life quality in medium-growing chickens. Further research is required to clarify the stress modulation role of live BSFL on poultry production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Gariglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Zambotto
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Biasato
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Manuela Renna
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Gasco
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefania Bergagna
- Veterinary Medical Research, Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Isabella Manenti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Macchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Gai
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Turin, Italy
| | - Achille Schiavone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Kliphuis S, Manet MWE, Goerlich VC, Nordquist RE, Vernooij H, Tuyttens FAM, Rodenburg TB. Effects of lighted incubation and foraging enrichment during rearing on individual fear behavior, corticosterone, and neuroplasticity in laying hen pullets. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103665. [PMID: 38569241 PMCID: PMC10999657 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions during incubation and rearing can influence stress responsivity of laying hen pullets throughout their lifespan, and therefore have important implications for their welfare. In this study, a 12:12h green LED light-dark cycle during incubation and larvae provisioning as enrichment during rearing were tested as strategies to optimize early-life conditions and thereby decrease stress responsivity in ISA Brown laying hens. A combination of parameters was measured to indicate neuronal, physiological, and behavioral changes that may affect fear and stress. The proteins calbindin D28k (calbindin1), doublecortin (DCX), and neuronal nuclein protein (NeuN) were quantified after hatch as a proxy for brain plasticity. Plasma and feather corticosterone levels were measured after hatch and at the end of the rearing phase, and fearfulness was investigated through a series of behavioral tests (i.e., voluntary approach, open field, tonic immobility, and manual restraint tests). No effects of light during incubation were found on calbindin1, DCX, or NeuN. Neither of the treatments affected corticosterone levels in blood plasma and feathers. Light-incubated pullets showed less fearfulness towards humans in the voluntary approach test, but not in the other behavioral tests reported in this study. Larvae provisioning had no effect on behavior. Our study showed minor effects of light during incubation and no effects of enrichment during rearing on stress responsivity of laying hen pullets. The small effects may be explained by the enriched rearing conditions for all birds in this experiment (low stocking density, natural daylight, and 24/7 classical music). Given the promising results of lighted incubation in other studies, which were mostly performed in broiler chickens, and evidence regarding the positive effects of enrichment during rearing, the potential of these strategies to improve laying hen welfare needs to be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Kliphuis
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Maëva W E Manet
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vivian C Goerlich
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca E Nordquist
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Vernooij
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Mullan S, Nogueira SSC, Nogueira-Filho S, Zanella A, Rooney N, Held SDE, Mendl M. Farming non-typical sentient species: ethical framework requires passing a high bar. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS 2024; 37:10. [PMID: 38803823 PMCID: PMC11127879 DOI: 10.1007/s10806-024-09928-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
More widespread farming of species not typically used as livestock may be part of a sustainable approach for promoting human health and economic prosperity in a world with an increasing population; a current example is peccary farming in the Neotropics. Others have argued that species that are local to a region and which are usually not farmed should be considered for use as livestock. They may have a more desirable nutrient profile than species that are presently used as livestock. It may also reduce the pressure from hunting on other wild species, and cause less environmental damage than exotic species. We propose a sentiocentric utilitarian framework that could be used to decide whether species that are local, but generally not used as livestock, should be farmed. To illustrate the use of our decision-making framework, we employ two contrasting neotropical case studies: the Spotted Paca (Cuniculus paca) and the Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). We argue that it may be acceptable to use non-sentient species that are typically not farmed as livestock. However, research should determine whether farming them offers human, environmental or sustainability benefits. In addition, we recommend that if invertebrate species are considered for farming, research should be conducted to determine the likelihood that they are sentient. Finally, given the ethical failings of current livestock farming practices, we argue that a high bar must be met if 'new' species that are sentient are to be farmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Mullan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Selene S. C. Nogueira
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Jorge Amado, Km 16 - Salobrinho, Ilhéus, BA 45662-900 Brazil
| | - Sérgio Nogueira-Filho
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias E Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Jorge Amado, Km 16, Salobrinho, Ilhéus, BA 45662-900 Brazil
| | - Adroaldo Zanella
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, University of São Paulo, R. Duque de Caxias, 225, Caixa Postal 23, Pirassununga, SP 13635-900 Brazil
| | - Nicola Rooney
- Bristol Vet School, University of Bristol, Langford, Avon, BS40 5DU UK
| | | | - Michael Mendl
- Bristol Vet School, University of Bristol, Langford, Avon, BS40 5DU UK
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Dörper A, Berman HM, Gort G, van Harn J, Dicke M, Veldkamp T. Effects of different black soldier fly larvae products on slow-growing broiler performance and carcass characteristics. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103481. [PMID: 38340663 PMCID: PMC10869907 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae have gained significant attention as ingredients for poultry feed to improve value chain circularity and sustainability. Black soldier fly larvae contain bioactive compounds which can potentially improve broiler health and thereby performance. However, the functionality of bioactive compounds likely depends on how larvae are processed prior to feeding and to which extent larvae products are included in the diet. This may explain the variable results reported in literature on broiler performance and carcass characteristics when feeding them different types of BSF larvae products at different inclusion levels. Therefore, the present research aimed to investigate the effects of different BSF larvae products and inclusion levels in diets on performance and carcass characteristics of slow-growing broilers. The experiment started with 1,728 one-day-old slow-growing male broilers (Hubbard JA757). Nine dietary treatments were used, each replicated eight times. One group of broilers was given a control diet. The following BSF larvae products were investigated: live larvae, a combination of BSF larvae meal and oil mimicking the nutritional composition of the live larvae, and BSF larvae meal and oil separately. All insect products were tested at two inclusion levels. All diet programs were nutritionally comparable (isoenergetic and based on balanced levels of digestible essential amino acids). During the 7-wk trial, several performance parameters and carcass characteristics were measured. The results show that comparable or better broiler performance was achieved with the inclusion of BSF larvae products in the diets compared to the control. Based on the feed conversion ratio (FCR), the unprocessed larvae product and the highest inclusion level led to the most favorable results. Carcass characteristics remained unchanged when BSF larvae products were used in the diets compared to the control group, indicating favorable production output. The BSF larvae products investigated seem suitable feed ingredients for broilers at the current levels tested, generating performance benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dörper
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6700AA, the Netherlands.
| | - Henrieke M Berman
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6700AA, the Netherlands; Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6700AH, the Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Gort
- Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6700AA, the Netherlands
| | - Jan van Harn
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6700AH, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6700AA, the Netherlands
| | - Teun Veldkamp
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6700AH, the Netherlands
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Gariglio M, Dabbou S, Renna M, Biasato I, Bellezza Oddon S, Meneguz M, Miazzo RD, Bergagna S, Colombino E, Macchi E, Schiavone A. Does the provision of live black soldier fly and yellow mealworm larvae improve Muscovy duck welfare? J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:153. [PMID: 38044427 PMCID: PMC10694867 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00949-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The provision of environmental enrichments to Muscovy ducks could reduce the expression of the aggressive behaviors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of black soldier fly (BSF) and yellow mealworm (YM) live larva provision on Muscovy duck performance, excreta corticosterone metabolites (ECM), behavior, and blood parameters. METHODS A total of 126 3-day-old female Muscovy ducklings were allotted to 18 pens (6 replicates/treatment, 7 birds/pen) and assigned to 3 experimental treatments: a control group fed commercial feed, and two experimental treatments fed commercial feed plus the 5% (based on the expected daily feed intake, as fed basis) of BSF and YM live larvae (BSF and YM groups, respectively). A two-phase feeding program was applied: starter (from 3 to 31 days of age) and grower-finisher (from 32 to 55 days of age). The live weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Larva consumption times were collected, and video recordings were performed during 3 periods (P) each day: the hour before (P1), during (P2), and after (P3) the larva administration. ECM were evaluated at 3, 31, and 55-day-old. Finally, the total red and white blood cell counts, serum proteins, lipids, and liver and renal function serum enzymes were evaluated on 12 birds/treatment. RESULTS The experimental treatment did not affect the growth performance of the birds (P > 0.05). Larva consumption times were always similar between the two insect species, except at 14-18 days of age, were BSF larvae were consumed faster than YM larvae (P < 0.001). The birds showed less walking activity during P2, and preening behavior increased in YM birds during P3. The C birds increased the attack behavior over the weeks (P < 0.05). During weeks 1-3 the YM group reduced the attack frequency (P1 > P3; P < 0.05). Finally, the provision of live BSF and YM larvae significantly reduced the ECM at 55 days of age and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Live BSF and YM larva supplementation in Muscovy duck improves duck welfare, without impairing birds' growth performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gariglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
| | - Sihem Dabbou
- Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, Via Edmund Mach 1, San Michele All'Adige, Trento (TN), 38098, Italy
| | - Manuela Renna
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Biasato
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
| | - Sara Bellezza Oddon
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
| | - Marco Meneguz
- BEF Biosystems s.r.l, Via Tancredi Canonico 18/C, Torino (TO), 10156, Italy
| | - Raul Daniel Miazzo
- Unidad de Investigación Aviar, Producción Avícola, Fac. Agr. y Vet., Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Stefania Bergagna
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino (TO), 10154, Italy
| | - Elena Colombino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Macchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
| | - Achille Schiavone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
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7
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Kliphuis S, Manet MWE, Goerlich VC, Nordquist RE, Vernooij H, Brand HVD, Tuyttens FAM, Rodenburg TB. Early-life interventions to prevent feather pecking and reduce fearfulness in laying hens. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102801. [PMID: 37343352 PMCID: PMC10404761 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe feather pecking, the pulling out of feathers of conspecifics, is a major welfare issue in laying hens. Possible underlying causes are fearfulness and lack of foraging opportunities. Because early life is a crucial stage in behavioral development, adapting the incubation and rearing environment to the birds' needs may reduce fearfulness and prevent the development of feather pecking. In a 2 × 2 factorial design study, we investigated whether a green light-dark cycle throughout incubation, which resembles natural incubation circumstances more than the standard dark incubation, and foraging enrichment with live larvae during rearing reduce fearfulness and feather pecking and increase foraging behavior of laying hen pullets from an early age onwards. In this 2-batch experiment, 1,100 ISA Brown eggs were incubated under either 0 h of light/24 h of darkness or 12 h of green LED light/12 h of darkness. After hatching, 400 female chicks (200 per batch) were housed in 44 pens (8-10 chicks per pen). During the entire rearing phase (0-17 wk of age), half of the pens received black soldier fly larvae in a food puzzle as foraging enrichment. We assessed fear of novel objects and humans, feather pecking, plumage condition, foraging behavior, and recovery time after a 3-fold vaccination (acute stressor). A slight increase in the number of foraging bouts was only seen with larvae provisioning (rate ratio 1.19, 95% CI 1.02-1.29, P = 0.008). Neither lighted incubation nor larvae provisioning affected fearfulness, feather pecking, plumage condition or recovery time after vaccination. In conclusion, the present study showed no effects of light during incubation and minor effects of foraging enrichment during rearing on the behavior of laying hen pullets. Further research is recommended on other welfare aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Kliphuis
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Maëva W E Manet
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vivian C Goerlich
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rebecca E Nordquist
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Vernooij
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Henry van den Brand
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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8
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Gasco L, Renna M, Bellezza Oddon S, Rezaei Far A, Naser El Deen S, Veldkamp T. Insect meals in a circular economy and applications in monogastric diets. Anim Front 2023; 13:81-90. [PMID: 37583807 PMCID: PMC10425148 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gasco
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Manuela Renna
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Sara Bellezza Oddon
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Arya Rezaei Far
- Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen Livestock Research, De Elst 1, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Somaya Naser El Deen
- Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen Livestock Research, De Elst 1, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Teun Veldkamp
- Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen Livestock Research, De Elst 1, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
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9
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van Leuffen N, Ipema AF, Bolhuis JE. Comparing Pixel Changes and Manual Observations for Mapping Broiler Activity during Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae ( Hermetia illucens) Provisioning. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2200. [PMID: 37444001 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Welfare issues in broilers include inactivity and poor leg health. Activity can be stimulated by providing whole dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BFSL), but it is unknown whether this effect changes over time. Therefore, effects of BSFL provisioning on broiler activity per minute were assessed in detail. Additionally, the use of pixel changes as a proxy for broiler activity was explored. Broilers were housed in groups of 28 (n = 4 pens, <33 kg/m2). Dried BSFL were scattered through the pen of treatment groups at 08:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00. Activity was assessed per minute both manually using scan sampling, and automatically as percent pixel changes for 30 min around BSFL provisioning, and at 14, 21 and 28 days of age. Both methods were moderately positively correlated and showed that BSFL provisioning increased activity. Activity as assessed by manual observations decreased at 17:00, at 21, and 28 days in both groups. The pixel changes indicated that this could be due to low activity levels in the control group. Using pixel changes seems to be a promising, timesaving tool to score broiler activity, but future research is necessary to validate this method and determine how high activity can be maintained over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa van Leuffen
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Research, Aeres University of Applied Sciences, 8251 JZ Dronten, The Netherlands
| | - Allyson F Ipema
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Herskin MS, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Tiemann I, de Jong I, Gebhardt‐Henrich SG, Keeling L, Riber AB, Ashe S, Candiani D, García Matas R, Hempen M, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Rojo Gimeno C, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Bailly‐Caumette E, Michel V. Welfare of broilers on farm. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07788. [PMID: 36824680 PMCID: PMC9941850 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro-enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under- and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.
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Holt RV, Vas J, Vasdal G, Newberry RC. A buffet of litters - Broiler chickens behave differently according to litter type and freshness. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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12
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Abstract
Insect farming for livestock feed has the potential to replace conventional feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold van Huis
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Laura Gasco
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
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13
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Bongiorno V, Gariglio M, Zambotto V, Cappone EE, Biasato I, Renna M, Forte C, Coudron C, Bergagna S, Gai F, Schiavone A. Black soldier fly larvae used for environmental enrichment purposes: Can they affect the growth, slaughter performance, and blood chemistry of medium-growing chickens? Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1064017. [PMID: 36590795 PMCID: PMC9794612 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1064017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This research has been aimed at evaluating the effects of live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) on the growth, slaughtering performance, and blood parameters of medium-growing chickens. Methods A total of 240, 28-day-old, Label Rouge Naked Neck chickens were allotted to four experimental groups, according to the gender (males-females) and to the absence (control group, C) or presence (larvae group, L) of a dietary supplementation with 10% live BSFL, on the basis of the expected average daily feed intake (ADFI) (6 replicates/diet, 10 chickens/replicate). The birds were weighed weekly, and the feed consumption was recorded to calculate the average live weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), average daily gain (ADG), and the ADFI. At 82 days of age, 2 birds/replicate (12 birds/diet) were selected and slaughtered. The blood samples were collected, and the carcass traits (carcass, breast, thigh, and organ weights and yields) were assessed. Results and discussions Overall, the administered live BSFL did not impair the growth and slaughtering performance, or the blood traits, while the C females showed a better FCR than the treated ones (P < 0.05). The live BSFL consumption time was longer for the females than for the males (P < 0.001). The weight of the immune organs (spleen and bursa of Fabricius) increased as the live BSFL supplementation increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the provision of live BSFL reduced the gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT, U/l) activity content in the blood (P < 0.05). Finally, both the leukocytes (%) and the monocytes (%) were more abundant in the C groups than in the larvae ones (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In short, the supplementation of live BSFL can be used successfully as an environmental enrichment, without affecting the growth performance of male birds. Furthermore, the immune organ activity could be enhanced by the provision of live BSFL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Gariglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy,*Correspondence: Marta Gariglio
| | - Valeria Zambotto
- National Research Council, Institute of Sciences of Food Production, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Biasato
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Manuela Renna
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Forte
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carl Coudron
- Provincial Research and Advice Centre for Agriculture and Horticulture (Inagro vzw), Roeselare-Beitem, Belgium
| | - Stefania Bergagna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Gai
- National Research Council, Institute of Sciences of Food Production, Turin, Italy
| | - Achille Schiavone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Parodi A, Ipema AF, Van Zanten HHE, Bolhuis JE, Van Loon JJA, De Boer IJM. Principles for the responsible use of farmed insects as livestock feed. NATURE FOOD 2022; 3:972-974. [PMID: 37118291 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-022-00641-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Parodi
- Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Allyson F Ipema
- Adaptation Physiology group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hannah H E Van Zanten
- Farming Systems Ecology group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - J Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Joop J A Van Loon
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Imke J M De Boer
- Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Ipema AF, Bokkers EA, Gerrits WJ, Kemp B, Elizabeth Bolhuis J. Provision of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) in different ways benefits broiler welfare and performance, with largest effects of scattering live larvae. Physiol Behav 2022; 257:113999. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Jacobs L, Blatchford RA, de Jong IC, Erasmus MA, Levengood M, Newberry RC, Regmi P, Riber AB, Weimer SL. Enhancing their quality of life: environmental enrichment for poultry. Poult Sci 2022; 102:102233. [PMID: 36351344 PMCID: PMC9647224 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Providing environmental enrichments that increase environmental complexity can benefit poultry welfare. This Poultry Science Association symposium paper is structured around four themes on 1) poultry preferences and affective states 2) species-specific behavior, including play behavior and the relationship between behavior, activity level and walking ability, 3) environmental enrichment and its relationship with indicators of welfare, and 4) a case study focusing on the application of enrichments in commercial broiler chicken production. For effective enrichment strategies, the birds' perspective matters most, and we need to consider individual variation, social dynamics, and previous experience when assessing these strategies. Play behavior can be a valuable indicator of positive affect, and while we do not yet know how much play would be optimal, absence of play suggests a welfare deficit. Activity levels and behavior can be improved by environmental modifications and prior research has shown that the activity level of broilers can be increased, at least temporarily, by increasing the environmental complexity. However, more research on impacts of enrichments on birds' resilience, on birds in commercial conditions, and on slow(er)-growing strains is needed. Finally, incorporating farmers' expertise can greatly benefit enrichment design and implementation on commercial farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jacobs
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - R A Blatchford
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Animal Welfare, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - I C de Jong
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M A Erasmus
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IA, USA
| | | | - R C Newberry
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - P Regmi
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - A B Riber
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - S L Weimer
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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Heuel M, Sandrock C, Leiber F, Mathys A, Gold M, Zurbrüegg C, Gangnat IDM, Kreuzer M, Terranova M. Black soldier fly larvae meal and fat as a replacement for soybeans in organic broiler diets: effects on performance, body N retention, carcase and meat quality. Br Poult Sci 2022; 63:650-661. [PMID: 35363105 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2022.2053067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
1. Due to the increasing global demand for more sustainably produced animal protein, there is an intensive search for feeds to replace soybeans. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) appear to have great potential for replacing soybeans in poultry diets. The main objective of this study was to determine if the nutritional value of BSFL is superior to soybeans when feeding organic broilers, since smaller amounts of BSFL could replace the soybean content in the feed, thus saving even more resources.2. Eighty Hubbard S757, a slow growing organic broiler type, were fattened for 63 d, spending the last 49 d on one of five diets. Two soybean cake- and soybean oil-based diets (SS, SS-) were compared with three diets based on partially defatted BSFL meal and BSFL fat from two origins (AA-, AB-, BB-). Different from diet SS, diets SS-, AA-, AB-and BB- were designed with approximately 20% less lysine and methionine. Growth (n = 16), metabolisability, body nitrogen retention, carcase and meat quality (n = 8) were evaluated.3. Broilers of the insect-based feeding groups, AA- and AB-, grew similarly well compared to those of group SS. They also retained more nitrogen in the body than those fed BB- and SS-. Breast meat yield was higher with AA- and AB- than with BB- and SS-, but still lower than with SS. Dietary variations in physicochemical meat quality were of low practical relevance. Diet BB- resulted in a more yellow skin and meat. The fatty acid profile of the breast meat lipids reflected the high lauric acid proportion of the BSFL lipids, resulting in up to 80 times higher proportions than when feeding the soybean-based diets.4. The results indicate that high-quality BSFL, depending on their origin, may indeed be superior to soybean protein, but that the meat lipids from BSFL-fed broilers can contain significant amounts of lauric acid, which, from a human nutrition perspective, could have a negative impact on meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Heuel
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Sandrock
- Departement of Livestock Science, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Frick, Switzerland
| | - F Leiber
- Departement of Livestock Science, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Frick, Switzerland
| | - A Mathys
- Laboratory of Sustainable Food Processing, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Gold
- Laboratory of Sustainable Food Processing, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec), Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - C Zurbrüegg
- Department Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec), Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - I D M Gangnat
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Kreuzer
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Terranova
- AgroVet-Strickhof, ETH Zurich, Lindau, Switzerland
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Seyedalmoosavi M, Mielenz M, Görs S, Wolf P, Daş G, Metges C. Effects of increasing levels of whole Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in broiler rations on acceptance, nutrient and energy intakes and utilization, and growth performance of broilers. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Biasato I, Bellezza Oddon S, Chemello G, Gariglio M, Fiorilla E, Dabbou S, Pipan M, Dekleva D, Macchi E, Gasco L, Schiavone A. Welfare implications for broiler chickens reared in an insect larvae-enriched environment: Focus on bird behaviour, plumage status, leg health, and excreta corticosterone. Front Physiol 2022; 13:930158. [PMID: 36091356 PMCID: PMC9452844 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.930158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of insect live larvae as environmental enrichment has recently been proposed in broiler chickens, but the concomitant administration of black soldier fly (BSF) and yellow mealworm (YM) has never been tested yet. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of live BSF and YM larvae as environmental enrichments for broiler chickens by means of plumage status, behaviour, leg health, and excreta corticosterone metabolites (CM). A total of 180 4-day old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly distributed in 3 experimental treatments (6 replicates/treatment, 10 birds/replicate) and fed for 35 days as follows: 1) control (C, commercial feed), 2) BSF: C + 5% of the expected daily feed intake [DFI] live BSF larvae and 3) YM: C + 5% of the expected DFI live YM larvae. Feathering, hock burn (HB) and footpad dermatitis (FPD) scores (end of the trial), as well as behavioural observations (beginning of the trial [T0] and every 11 days [T1, T2 and T3] during morning, larvae intake and afternoon) through video recordings, were assessed, and excreta samples collected to evaluate the CM. Feathering, HB and FPD scores, and excreta CM were unaffected by insect live larvae administration (p > 0.05). In the morning, the insect-fed birds displayed higher stretching, wing flapping, ground pecking (at T1 and T3), as well as lower preening (at T1 and T2), than the C group (p < 0.05). During the larvae intake, higher scratching, wing flapping and ground pecking, as well as lower stretching, preening and laying down, were observed in the insect-fed (scratching, stretching and laying down) or YM-fed (wing flapping, ground pecking and preening) groups than the C birds (p < 0.05). In the afternoon, insect live larvae administration increased wing flapping (YM) and laying down (BSF and YM), as well as decreased ground pecking (YM, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the administration of insect live larvae as environmental enrichment (especially YM) was capable of positively influencing the bird welfare through the stimulation of foraging behaviour, increase in activity levels, and reduction in bird frustration, without affecting the plumage status, leg health, and excreta CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Biasato
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Bellezza Oddon
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Chemello
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marta Gariglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Edoardo Fiorilla
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sihem Dabbou
- Center Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Miha Pipan
- Entomics Biosystems, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elisabetta Macchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Gasco
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Achille Schiavone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Facchini E, Shrestha K, van den Boer E, Junes P, Sader G, Peeters K, Schmitt E. Long-Term Artificial Selection for Increased Larval Body Weight of Hermetia illucens in Industrial Settings. Front Genet 2022; 13:865490. [PMID: 35783268 PMCID: PMC9240604 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.865490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) farming has exponentially increased in recent years due to the ability of its larvae to efficiently convert low-grade organic materials into high-value food, feed, and technical products. There is a need to further improve the efficiency of production, to meet the rising demands for proteins in the feed and food industries under limited resources. One means of improvement is artificial selection, which has been widely applied in plants and in other livestock species. In 2019, a genetic improvement program was started with the aim to increase larval body weight in black soldier fly larvae. In this paper, we present the outcomes of this breeding program after 10, 13, and 16 generations of selection. The performance of the selected body weight line was compared to the base population line over six experimental rounds under different environmental conditions. Under automated production settings, an average increase of +39% in larval weight, +34% in wet crate yield, +26% in dry matter crate yield, +32% in crude protein per crate, and +21% crude fat per crate was achieved in the selected line compared to the base population line. This research demonstrates the potential contribution of artificial selection to improve efficiency when farming black soldier flies in industrial settings. Further research is needed to fully unlock that potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Facchini
- Hendrix Genetics Research Technology & Services B.V., Boxmeer, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Gaya Sader
- Protix Biosystems B.V., Dongen, Netherlands
| | - Katrijn Peeters
- Hendrix Genetics Research Technology & Services B.V., Boxmeer, Netherlands
| | - Eric Schmitt
- Protix Biosystems B.V., Dongen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Eric Schmitt,
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Wang B, Wang S, Ding M, Lu H, Wu H, Li Y. Quercetin Regulates Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism Through the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Broilers. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:786519. [PMID: 35155643 PMCID: PMC8828646 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.786519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study intended to explore the effect and mechanism of different doses of dietary quercetin on calcium and phosphorus metabolism to provide an experimental basis for preventing leg disease in broilers. A total of 480 1-day-old healthy Arbor Acre broilers were randomly allotted into four groups (0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06%) for 42 days. Compared with control, 0.06% quercetin significantly increased the unit weight and the relative weight of tibia in broilers (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, phosphorus content and bone mineral density (BMD) were significantly increased by 0.06% dietary quercetin supplementation in tibia (P < 0.05). Ash of tibia was significantly increased by 0.04 and 0.06% quercetin in broilers (P < 0.05). In addition, 0.06% quercetin significantly increased the content of serum calcium-binding protein (CB), estradiol (E2), osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and calcitonin (CT) (P < 0.05); 0.04% quercetin significantly increased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) (P < 0.05) content in serum of broilers. The content of serum parathyroid (PTH) was significantly decreased by 0.02 and 0.06% quercetin (P < 0.05) in broilers. Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the Wnt signaling pathway was a key signaling pathway of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in broilers which was significantly regulated by quercetin. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from transcriptome sequencing were validated with real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). In conclusion, 0.06% dietary quercetin supplementation improved calcium and phosphorus metabolism by regulating the Wnt signaling pathway in broilers.
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Güz BC, de Jong IC, Da Silva CS, Veldkamp F, Kemp B, Molenaar R, van den Brand H. Effects of pen enrichment on leg health of fast and slower-growing broiler chickens. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254462. [PMID: 34941896 PMCID: PMC8700046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pen enrichment for broiler chickens is one of the potential strategies to stimulate locomotion and consequently contribute to better leg health and welfare. This study was designed to evaluate effects of using a plethora of pen enrichments (barrier perches, angular ramps, horizontal platforms, large distance between feed and water and providing live Black Soldier fly larvae in a dustbathing area) on tibia characteristics, locomotion, leg health and home pen behaviour of fast and slower-growing broiler chickens. The experiment was set up as a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with a total of 840 male broiler chickens in a complete randomized design (7 pens per treatment and 30 chickens per pen) with the following treatments: 1) pen enrichment (enriched pen or non-enriched pen); 2) broiler strain (fast-growing Ross 308 or slower-growing Hubbard JA 757). Home pen behaviour and use of enrichment were observed. At approximately 1400 and 2200 g body weight, two chickens per pen were randomly selected and slaughtered, to investigate tibia morphological, biophysical and mechanical characteristics and leg health. Pen enrichment positively affected tibia biophysical characteristics, e.g., osseous volume (Δ = 1.8 cm3, P = 0.003), total volume (Δ = 1.4 cm3, P = 0.03) and volume fraction (Δ = 0.02%, P = 0.002), in both fast and slower-growing chickens, suggesting that pen enrichment particularly affects ossification and mineralization mechanisms. Accordingly, locomotion and active behaviours were positively influenced by pen enrichment. However, pen enrichment resulted in lower body weight gain in both strains, which might be due to higher activity or lower feed intake as a result of difficulties of crossing the barrier perches. Regarding the strain, slower-growing chickens showed consistently more advanced tibia characteristics and more active behaviour than fast-growing chickens. It can be concluded that pen enrichment may lead to more activity and better bone development in both fast and slower-growing chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahadır Can Güz
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Ingrid C. de Jong
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Carol Souza Da Silva
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Fleur Veldkamp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Roos Molenaar
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Henry van den Brand
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
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Live black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) provisioning is a promising environmental enrichment for pigs as indicated by feed- and enrichment-preference tests. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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De Smet J, Vandeweyer D, Van Moll L, Lachi D, Van Campenhout L. Dynamics of Salmonella inoculated during rearing of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). Food Res Int 2021; 149:110692. [PMID: 34600687 PMCID: PMC8505792 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
The black soldier fly is currently the most produced edible insect on industrial scale, with its larval stage being processed into animal feed as the main application. As this insect species enters the feed and food chain, good hygiene and monitoring practices are needed to avoid the entrance of foodborne pathogens via the larvae. However, insufficient data on the risk of such introductions via industrial larvae production are available. To address this gap, a range of rearing trials were conducted in which the substrate, chicken feed, was inoculated with different levels of Salmonella and in which total viable counts and Salmonella counts were determined during the following days. The outgrowth of Salmonella was slower in those experiments with a lower initial contamination level than in experiments with a higher level. No significant reducing effect originating from the larvae on the substrate Salmonella counts was observed, in contrast to previous studies using other substrates. Our study also revealed that airborne transmission of Salmonella is possible under rearing conditions corresponding to those applied at industrial production sites. Based on our results, we recommend insect producers to use substrate ingredients free of Salmonella, and not to count on the antimicrobial activities that BSFL may exert in some situations towards food pathogens. More inoculation studies using other Salmonella serotypes, other zoonotic bacteria, other substrates, larvae of other ages and including variations on rearing protocols are needed in order to obtain a general view on the dynamics of food pathogens in this insect species and to support comprehensive risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- J De Smet
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Geel Campus, 2440 Geel, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe), 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Vandeweyer
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Geel Campus, 2440 Geel, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe), 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - L Van Moll
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Geel Campus, 2440 Geel, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe), 3001 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - D Lachi
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Geel Campus, 2440 Geel, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe), 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - L Van Campenhout
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Geel Campus, 2440 Geel, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe), 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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Colombino E, Biasato I, Ferrocino I, Bellezza Oddon S, Caimi C, Gariglio M, Dabbou S, Caramori M, Battisti E, Zanet S, Ferroglio E, Cocolin L, Gasco L, Schiavone A, Capucchio MT. Effect of Insect Live Larvae as Environmental Enrichment on Poultry Gut Health: Gut Mucin Composition, Microbiota and Local Immune Response Evaluation. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2819. [PMID: 34679839 PMCID: PMC8532707 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Hermetia illucens (HI) and Tenebrio molitor (TM) live larvae as environmental enrichment on the mucin composition, local immune response and microbiota of broilers. A total of 180 four-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments (six replicates/treatment; ten animals/replicate): (i) control (C); (ii) C+HI; (iii) C+TM. Live larvae were distributed based on 5% of the expected daily feed intake. At slaughter (39 days of age), samples of duodenum, jejunum and ileum (twelve animals/diet) were submitted to mucin histochemical evaluation. Expression of MUC-2 and cytokines was evaluated by rt-qPCR in jejunum. Mucin staining intensity was not influenced by diet (p > 0.05); however, this varied depending on the intestinal segment (p < 0.001). No significant differences were recorded for IL-4, IL-6 TNF-α, MUC-2 and INF-γ gene expression in jejunum, while IL-2 was lower in the TM group compared to HI and C (p = 0.044). Caecal microbiota showed higher abundance of Clostridium, Saccharibacteria and Victivallaceae in the HI group, while Collinsella was higher in the TM group. The results suggested that live insect larvae did not impair mucin composition or local immune response, and can slightly improve caecal microbiota by enhancing a minor fraction of short chain fatty acid-producing taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Colombino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (E.B.); (S.Z.); (E.F.); (A.S.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Ilaria Biasato
- Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (I.B.); (I.F.); (S.B.O.); (C.C.); (L.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Ilario Ferrocino
- Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (I.B.); (I.F.); (S.B.O.); (C.C.); (L.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Sara Bellezza Oddon
- Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (I.B.); (I.F.); (S.B.O.); (C.C.); (L.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Christian Caimi
- Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (I.B.); (I.F.); (S.B.O.); (C.C.); (L.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Marta Gariglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (E.B.); (S.Z.); (E.F.); (A.S.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Sihem Dabbou
- Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, 38010 San Michele all’Adige, TN, Italy;
| | - Marta Caramori
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (E.B.); (S.Z.); (E.F.); (A.S.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Elena Battisti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (E.B.); (S.Z.); (E.F.); (A.S.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (E.B.); (S.Z.); (E.F.); (A.S.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (E.B.); (S.Z.); (E.F.); (A.S.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Luca Cocolin
- Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (I.B.); (I.F.); (S.B.O.); (C.C.); (L.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Gasco
- Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (I.B.); (I.F.); (S.B.O.); (C.C.); (L.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Achille Schiavone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (E.B.); (S.Z.); (E.F.); (A.S.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Maria Teresa Capucchio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (E.B.); (S.Z.); (E.F.); (A.S.); (M.T.C.)
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, CNR, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
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Bellezza Oddon S, Biasato I, Imarisio A, Pipan M, Dekleva D, Colombino E, Capucchio MT, Meneguz M, Stefania B, Barbero R, Gariglio M, Dabbou S, Fiorilla E, Gasco L, Schiavone A. Black soldier fly and yellow mealworm live larvae for broiler chickens: Effects on bird performance and health status. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 105 Suppl 1:10-18. [PMID: 34402110 PMCID: PMC8519120 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The commercial broiler chicken strains are the result of successful selection programmes. Most of the problems related to welfare arise from the high growth rate and body weight. The use of environmental enrichments in intensive farming could have a positive effect on birds by increasing animal welfare. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of Hermetia illucens (HI) and Tenebrio molitor (TM) live larvae in the diets of broiler chickens on growth performance, carcass yield and health status. A total of 180 four-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to 18 pens. Each pen was assigned to one of the three dietary treatments (6 replicates/treatment, 10 birds/replicate) as follows: (i) control diet (C): commercial feed (two feeding phases: starter [4-11 days] and grower [12-38 days]), (ii) HI: C + 5% of the expected daily feed intake (DFI) HI live larvae (calculated on dry matter [DM]) and (iii) TM: C + 5% of DFI TM live larvae (DM). At 39 days of age, birds were slaughtered. Growth performance parameters were overall not affected by dietary treatments, except for the grower phase feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the overall FCR being better in the TM broilers than the others (p < 0.01). No differences were observed for slaughtering performance and haematological and serum parameters, except for the spleen relative weight being higher (p < 0.01) in the birds administered with larvae when compared to the C group. Gut morphometric indexes and histopathological alterations were not influenced by insect larvae administration. In conclusion, the administration in limited quantities of HI and TM live larvae as environmental enrichment has no negative effects on broiler chicken growth performance and health status. A behavioural study could confirm that live insect larvae represent a novel natural environmental enrichment in broiler farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bellezza Oddon
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Ilaria Biasato
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Arianna Imarisio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Colombino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | | | - Marco Meneguz
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Bergagna Stefania
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Barbero
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Marta Gariglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Sihem Dabbou
- Center Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Edoardo Fiorilla
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Laura Gasco
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Achille Schiavone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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de Jong IC, Blaauw XE, van der Eijk JA, Souza da Silva C, van Krimpen MM, Molenaar R, van den Brand H. Providing environmental enrichments affects activity and performance, but not leg health in fast- and slower-growing broiler chickens. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Long-term access to live black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) stimulates activity and reduces fearfulness of broilers, without affecting health. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17428. [PMID: 33060745 PMCID: PMC7566458 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74514-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Commercially housed broilers frequently experience limited environmental stimulation and various health issues, compromising their welfare. Providing environmental enrichment can alleviate these problems by facilitating natural behaviour and activity. We investigated the effect of providing live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to broilers housed at commercial densities (33 kg/m2) on behaviour, fearfulness, health and performance. One-day-old broilers were distributed over five treatments with eight pens/treatment: a control treatment without BSFL; two treatments where 5% of the daily nutrient intake was replaced with live BSFL, provided four or seven times a day; and two treatments where 10% of the daily dietary intake was replaced with live BSFL provided four times a day or in transparent, movable tubes with holes. In all BSFL treatments foraging behaviour, and thereby broiler activity, was increased. Prolonged access to live BSFL, either by providing larvae seven times a day or in tubes, caused the largest increase in activity while also decreasing the time spend in tonic immobility, indicating reduced fearfulness. Broiler final weight and health were not affected. Overall, long-term access to live BSFL seems most effective in improving broiler welfare by facilitating natural behaviour and reducing fearfulness, without hindering broiler performance and health.
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