Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the mutual effects of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (BSFLM) and intermittent lighting on the growth performance of broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old chicks were randomly distributed into a 4 × 4 completely randomized design (CRD) factorial. Factor A consisted of four dietary treatments: 100% commercial ration (A1), 95% commercial ration + 5% BSFLM (A2), 90% commercial ration + 10% BSFLM (A3), and 85% commercial ration + 15% BSFLM (A4). Factor B comprised four lighting programs: 0 h (B1), 1 h (B2), 2 h (B3), and 3 h (B4) of alternate lighting. The results showed that the lighting program, particularly B4, had significant effects (P<0.05) on average final weight, total water intake, and highly significant effects (P<0.01) on total weight gain, total feed consumption, and average daily gain. These findings suggest that longer dark periods enhance tissue development and appetite in broilers. Furthermore, BSFLM supplementation, specifically treatment A3, had a highly significant (P<0.01) effect on feed efficiency. The addition of BSFLM increased the ability of chicks to convert feed into biomass.

Key words: Broiler chicken, black soldier fly larvae meal, intermittent lighting, growth performance.