L'utilizzo di larve vive d'insetto per migliorare la sostenibilità e il benessere animale nell'allevamento avicolo biologico

It is known that worldwide meat consumption has drastically increased over the last decades, especially in developed countries. Not only are countries getting richer, but also meat is getting cheaper and quicker to produce. This is mainly due to the genetic selection of animals, the selection of feed and due to the innovative farming systems. Broilers underwent an important selection to reach market weight at a young age. The incommensurate meat production has a strong environmental impact, since one of the most critical aspects regarding poultry meat production is the amount of feed necessary to grow these animals. These feeds are particularly high in energy and proteins, in order to satisfy the high requirements of chickens. The most important protein source in chicken feeds is soybean meal, which is high in proteins, low in fibers and high in lysine and tryptophan. Although soybean meal is relatively inexpensive to produce, it has a negative impact on the environment. The purpose of the experimental trial reported in my thesis is to evaluate the impact of the administration of live Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on the welfare and performance of medium-growing chickens (Label Naked Neck chickens). A total of 240 Label Naked Neck chickens (120 males and 120 females) were divided into four experimental groups, based on the sex and diet (10 birds/pen and 6 replicates/treatment). The control groups (“control male” and “control female”) were only fed an organic, commercial feed. The experimental groups (“larvae male” and “larvae female”) were fed the same organic, commercial feed with the supplementation of live Black Soldier Fly larvae equal to 10% of the daily feed intake. The larvae were provided daily, from the 28 th day of age until slaughter and the consumption time was recorded daily. Not only were several welfare assessments carried out (tonic immobility test, avoiding distance test, etc.), but also blood analysis. Overall, considering the slaughter performances, the study revealed the potential of Hermetia illucens provision on the performance and welfare of medium-growing chickens.