Evaluation of sun-dried and roasted maggot meal as a source of protein for laying hens in the Tropics

Abstract

An eight week feeding trial involving 126 Nera breed laying hens in a completely randomized block design, was carried out to evaluate sun-dried and roasted maggot meal as protein sources in laying chickens diet. The sun-dried and roasted maggot meals incorporated in the diets at levels of 0, 50 and 100 percent, in replacement of equivalents of soyabean meal and soyabean plus fish meal. There were significant effects on some performance characteristics with increasing levels of sun-dried and roasted maggot meal in the diets. Hen-day production was generally improved in the maggot-based diets but was higher in SMM diets than in RMM and control diets. Shell thickness and shell weight were significantly affected (p<.05). Egg shell weight as percent of egg weight was higher (p<0.05) for chickens-fed RMM than sun-dried maggot meal [SMM] and control diets. Egg yolk, albumin and percentage of blood/meat sport were significantly affected (p<0.05) but did not follow a specific trend attributable to the diets. Cholesterol and content of egg yolk were significantly reduced (p<0.05) by maggot meal. Maggot meal also reduced cost/kg of egg, which was slightly higher for RMM than SMM diets. The use of maggot meal as the sole protein source in laying chickens' diet is possible without detrimental effect. The reduction of egg yolk cholesterol by maggot meal is of nutritional and health importance to consumers, therefore the use of maggot meal in laying hens should be encouraged.