Effect of feeding a diet containing housefly (Musca domestica) larvae extracts on growth performance in broiler chickens

Insects like housefly (Musca domestica L.) are future feed resources for economic animals because insects can improve growth performance by promoting the immune function and gut microbial balance. However, little is known about research reports on housefly larvae extracts containing an antibacterial peptide. This study investigated the effect of feeding diets supplemented with housefly larvae extract (HLE) containing antibacterial peptides on the growth performance of broiler chickens. Nine hundred broilers (Ross 308) were fed diets containing HLE for 35 days. Treatment groups consisted of CON (control without HLE), PC (positive control, 8 ppm of avilamycin), HLE50 (diet containing 50 ppm of HLE), HLE100 (diet containing 100 ppm of HLE), HLE150 (diet containing 150 ppm of HLE), and HLE200 (diet containing 200 ppm of HLE). Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in HLE150 and HLE200 groups compared to those in the CON group. Spleen weights were higher in HLE150 and HLE200 groups than in the CON group. Caecal bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus counts were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in HLE150 and HLE200 groups whereas E. coli and coliform bacteria counts were higher in the CON group. Caecal acetic acid, propionic acid, and total short-chain fatty acid levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in HLE150 and HLE200 groups than in the CON group. These results show that feeding diets containing 150 ppm of HLE containing antimicrobial peptides could replace antibiotics to improve the growth performance of broiler chickens.