RESPONSE OF GROWING PIGS TO DIET CONTAINING BLACK SOLDIER LARVAL MEAL SUBSTITUTED FOR SOYA BEAN MEAL

Abstract

ABSTRACT To improve the nutritional quality of livestock diets for optimum performance Black Soldier Larva meal was research in this study. This study evaluated the response of growing pigs fed diets containing Black Soldier Larval Meal (BSFLM) substituted for Soya Bean Meal (SBM). Twenty-four (24) crossbred (Large white x Landrace) male and female growing pigs with initial average body weight of 18.25kg were used for the study. Pigs were randomly allotted by the use of weight equalization tool (WE Tool) into four treatment groups, each with six replicates. Four experimental diets were formulated such that BSFLM replaced SBM at 0, 10, 20 and 30% levels. Data were collected on growth performance, carcass evaluation, intestinal morphology, microbial count and nutrient digestibility. The results showed that growth response of pigs fed the experimental diets were not significantly (P>0.05) affected across the levels of BSF used. Full gut which was significantly (P<0.05) influenced in pigs on 20, 0, 10% diets recorded highest percentage while 30% recorded least percentage. Lamina propria depth were not influencedsignificantly (P>0.05) with highest of 337.50 in pigs on 20% diet. In digestibilityparameters measured were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the percentage BSF replaced soy bean. Total bacterial Count had the highest(P<0.05) value of (1.25) in pigs on the control diet compared to other percentage BSF replacement of soy beans. Urinary nitrogen, total nitrogen excretion and nitrogen retention were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the levels of BSF used. The study concluded that the dietary inclusion of BSFLM did not significantly affect growth performance, nitrogen balance and nutrient digestibility of grower pig