EFFECTS OF DESERT LOCUST DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION (SCHISTOCERCA GREGARIA) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS QUALITY AND BLOOD BIOCHEMISTRY OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

: Insects like Schistocerca gregaria , the desert locust, are becoming recognized as possible poultry feed. More and more scientists are becoming interested in using insects for poultry feed, especially as a novel and sustainable source of high-grade protein. This study investigated the effects of desert locust dietary supplementation on the growth performance, carcass quality, and blood biochemistry of broiler chickens. A total of 320 1-day old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups (3 levels of locusts' supplementation and 1 control group) and fed diets with varying levels of desert locust inclusion (control, 1, 2 & 3%). There were four replicates of each dietary treatment resulting in 80 birds per treatment group (20 birds/ replication). Birds were arranged in a completely randomized design. The trial lasted six weeks, growth performance parameters were evaluated. Ten birds from each treatment were slaughtered for the carcass analysis at the end of the experiment. Additionally, 10 blood samples from each dietary treatment (from the slaughtered birds) were collected for biochemical parameters to assess the physiological parameters (plasma total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and uric acid) responses to the dietary treatments. Significant variation had been observed in the growth performance at 5 th week of age (P< 0.01). Broiler diets supplemented with 2% locusts were found to improve body weight and kidney function while having no negative impact on carcass and organ weights. The results indicated a substantial increase (P< 0.03) in the antibody titer against the Newcastle disease virus in the chickens fed 3% locust meal. The findings provide insights into the potential utilization of desert locusts as a sustainable protein source in broiler chicken diets. In conclusion, the use of desert locust meal in broiler chicken diets presents opportunities for the poultry industry to enhance sustainability, reduce costs, and improve feed efficiency.